Getting in Shape for Turkey Day!

Several Panthers are planning to run a Turkey Trot in whatever city they plan to celebrate Thanksgiving. Some Turkey Trots are 5k (3.1 miles), some are 4 miles and some are 5. Regardless, this plan should work for you. If you're a newbie, don't worry, you can do it. Your goal should be to finish the distance at the best pace you can manage, even if that means walking.

Please see the links on the right side of the blog. These are some local Turkey races. If you are planning to participate in a different race, let us know and we'll post it.

If you're a long time runner, please be sure to encourage our new runners.

Here's a Training Plan for a Turkey Trot in 5 weeks! You’ll be hitting the pavement/treadmill 3 times a week for 5 weeks. You can do it. Be sure to have a great pair of running shoes, dress for the weather, stay hydrated and don’t quit!

Long time runners, if you have suggestions or tips, please post them under the comment section.

If anyone is looking for a running buddy, please post under comments too. If you're hitting a certain trail, let us know, so we can join you!

week 1:

day 1 run/walk combo distance doesn’t matter
Run for 3 minutes, walk for 2 minutes. Repeat for 25 minutes.

day 2: 1 mile run
run/walk it

day 3: 1.5 mile run
run/walk it

week 2

day 1: run/walk combo; distance doesn’t matter
Run for 3 minutes, walk for 2 minutes. Repeat for 25 minutes.

day 2: 1.25 mile run

day 3: 2 mile run

week 3

day 1: run/walk combo; distance doesn’t matter
Run for 3 minutes, walk for 1 minute. Repeat for 25 minutes.

day 2: 1.5 mile run

day 3: 2.25 mile run

week 4

day 1 : run/walk combo; distance doesn’t matter
Run for 3 minutes, walk for 1 minute. Repeat for 25 minutes.

day 2: 2 mile run

day 3: 2.75 mile run

week 5

day 1: run/walk combo; distance doesn’t matter
Run for 3 minutes, walk for 1 minute. Repeat for 25 minutes.

day 2: 2 mile run

day 3
Race day!

A special Message from the Mini Team!

Trick or Treat Schedule

Information obtained from the Columbus Dispatch

Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Westerville and Worthingon: October 29, 6-8:00

Delaware and Powell: October 31 from 6-8:00

OSU GAMES

MPA has stand 25C at Ohio Stadium, requiring a staff of 20 people. The following are the dates for the home Ohio State football games which we will be working this year. Please let us know which games you can commit to working.

September 5 Game Time: Noon
September 12 Game Time: 8:00 P.M.
September 26 Game Time: TBA
October 10 Game Time: TBA
October 24 Game Time: Noon
October 31** Game Time: TBA
November 14 Game Time: TBA

The arrival time for these games will be between 2 and 4 hours prior to game time.

**October 31st is a cheer competition in Sandusky, Ohio. Sodexho will have another group working in our stand but has requested that, if possible, a few people from MPA also work. You could be working in our stand with another group or at another location.


Please send all responses to www.fundraising@midwestpanthers.com

Once we have a list of who is working we will send out further details.

Team Schedule

TEAM SCHEDULE

Please find the adjusted schedule for the fall. We will begin to follow this schedule starting the Monday August 24th. We needed to adjust slightly to make sure the teams will be ready their new season. The Sunday practices will still be tumbling days however if we are in a crunch the Jr/Sr team will be there together to work routine if needed. It is best to always be prepared! Thanks for your understanding in the schedule adjustment.

** changes are Sunday practice times and Monday xtra tumbling times.

SUNDAY:
200-400 Fierce
200-330 Ferocious Team
330-500 Fabulous, Ferocious, Fury
500-630 Fabulous Team
430-630 Y workout group A (Wobbles, Buzz, RJ, Gretch, Eva, Sabrina, Em, KB, Alex)
500-700 Y workout group B (Carlee, Diana, Kali, Lbug, Jenny, Ciera, Filly, TBeck, Tessa)

MONDAY:
600-700Fabulous/ Ferocious xtra mile
700-800 Fury xtra mile
700-900 Fierce 700-900

TUESDAY
Fury 700-800
Fierce xtra mile

WEDNESDAY
530-730 Fabulous
700-900 Fury

THURSDAY
530-700 Ferocious
700-900 Fierce 700-800
Fabulous/ Ferocious xtra mile
800-900 Fury xtra mile

Imporant Updates

To better suit the needs of our teams, the choreography times have been adjusted. We don't like to change schedules but this is a necessary change based on the needs of the teams.

Please see information below.

**Note: Because several of the Fabulous Youth athletes will be in camp, the youth schedule must be adjusted on Sunday, July 12. Please note that in place of the regular Sunday schedule, the Youth and Mini team will have an open tumbling class on Sunday, July 12 from 1:30-3:30. The athletes on the junior Fury team should NOT attend the tumbling class. The Fury athletes should remain in choreography camp.

**Note: There will be NO Fury practice on Tuesday, July 14. Take the night off and rest. You'll be very tired after three days of camp!

Saturday, July 11

10:00 - 3:00 Fierce (break from 12:30-1:00)

3:30-8:00 Fury (break from 5:30-6:00)



Sunday, July 12

11:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m. Fury (break from 1:30-2:00)

4-9:00 Fierce (break from 6:00-6:30)



Monday, July 13

9:00 a.m. -12:00 Fury (no long break, just drink breaks)

4:00-9:00 Fierce (break from 6:00-6:30)



Tuesday, July 14 (Fierce Only)
5-9:00

Fury and Fierce Choreography Camp

Choreography camp starts next week! Be sure to arrive 10 minutes early. Wait in the lobby until the coaches come to get you. When your time starts, you must be completely ready (shoes on, hair in ponytail with a bow, metal out of your body and etc). Don't waist time by not being ready on time. Be completely ready.

Bring a water bottle and put in your cubbie. No farting around at camp. Camp is all about getting down to business. We'll fart around later in the summer but not at camp.

Camp is closed to parents. However, we will plan to do a parent show 'n tell on the last day of camp! Moms and Dads are welcome to come visit (in the lobby) during scheduled breaks.

Saturday, July 11
10:00 - 2:30 Fury (break from 12:30-1:00)
3:00-8:00 Fierce (break from 5:30-6:00)

Sunday, July 12
10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Fierce (break from 12:30-1:00)
3:30 - 7:30 Fury (break from 5:30-6:00)

Monday, July 13
9:00 a.m. -12:00 Fury (no long break, just drink breaks)
4:30-8:30 Fierce (no long break, just drink breaks)

Tuesday, July 14 (Fierce Only)
Times TBA

Coaches Conference

Coach Heather, Emily, Kelcee and Abi attended the Jamfest coaches conference in Louisville on June 26 and 27. While there, they attended several classes.

Choreography Trends
Coach Heather, Kelcee and Abi took several choreography classes. These classes are designed to give us an idea about the upcoming trends in the industry. For example: in the 1980's everyone did the Running Man and the Cabbage Patch. Well that trend went away and new styles started. We gotta be sure that we know what's in and what's not! These choreography trends generally generate on the west coast. Two very FAMOUS choreographers from California were at the conference. Therefore, the MPA coaches had the chance to learn some new, very fast, choreography. Their necks are still sore!

Stunts, Baskets and Transitions
All of the coaches attended stunt classes. These classes are designed to give the coaches an idea of upcoming new stunts (what's cool and what's going out of style). These classes gave the coaches some new ideas on kick double twist baskets, new rules for Level 1,2,3,4 and 5 stunts, different grips for full ups and half ups and etc. The coaches have great ideas for the youth team! And they are aware of the new rules for juniors and seniors.

One new trend will be for the teams to do a lib series, a basket and second lib series and a mount. This is new. The trend over the past several years has been to do a libs series and then a basket into the mount.

Stunt classes were taught by coaches from Fame All Stars and Arizona Heat (both are HUGE all star programs).

Jumps
The level 5 teams are expected to do 5 jumps in a routine. That's what they want to see. Difficult foot work and all sorts of spinning around and stuff. Toe touch front tucks are weighted the same and toe backs AND the judges like toe fronts.

The other levels are expected to have excellent technique and pointed toes. They said that jumps are weighted as much as tumbling so kids should not spend all their time working on their tumbling if they don't have a hyper-extended jump. The instructors said that an athlete should work on jumps at tumbling class if that athlete doesn't have a strong jump. A bad jump will hurt the scoresheet more than a mediocre back handspring will help it.

Seems like logical thinking....

Tumbling Classes
Coach Em and Coach Abi attended tumbling. These classes are designed to give the coaches ideas on the new trends with tumbling and well as innovative ideas on how to teach tumbling.

• For Level 5 - Double fulls are not all the rage anymore. It's good to have a few double fulls for the "impressive" factor but the judges want to see variety rather than one double full right after another.
• Level 5 -The judges want to see layout 1/2 step out into another skill, or 1 1/2 step out into another skill.
• Level 3,4,5 - Punch fronts are legal at level 3 and they are expecting level 3 teams to include punch fronts into routines.
• Level 3,4,5 - Aerials are cool - judges love them. Use them.
• Level 1,2,3,4,5 - The trend is also headed towards front walk overs into everything. The instructors and judges told us that everyone on the squads should be able to do a front and back walkover with straight legs and pointed toes. Judges will be expecting to see front walkover entries into tumbling passes.
• All Levels - the instructors all said that it's best to teach progressions rather than spot. They all believe that it's important for the athlete to do a ton of drills rather than constantly be spotted. They said, "spotters are like crack to the All Stars. Spotters, like crack, don't help you learn anything." We actually agree with this. We prefer to teach progressions and we like to see the girls working on skills in pits or on mats by themselves. Certainly we will spot (of course we will) to maintain their safety. But learning proper technique is much better than using a spotter.
• All Levels Coaches say that kids shouldn't tumble with bad technique - don't move on to the back tuck if the back handspring is not perfected.
• All Levels Coaches say that kids should run at practices. Running is the best way to get into tiptop tumbling shape.
• All Levels All athletes should have a great handstand snap-down with ankles together and toes pointed. Amen!
• All Levels All athletes should do safety rolls. (We do safety rolls at almost all practices).
• All Levels Athletes should condition (a lot) and also do so at home. All of the instructors stressed the importance of conditioning to prevent injuries and to help the athletes achieve their skills.

Social Networking

The upcoming trend is Twitter. All of the cheer companies will be using Twitter to update parents about a competition running late or to keep everyone posted on the team standings. And they used Midwest Panthers as an example of a program that is on the up and up with technology! We were the talk of the weekend! We have a gym Facebook and Twitter. Thank you Katie for helping us be infront of the trend!

Questions about the conference?

If you have specific questions about the conference, or tips for tumbling or stunting, please post them on this site.

Let Nothing Stop You!

I posted this one last season but it's a great reminder that we can accomplish great things. Keep us updated on your recent plans.

Buzz is required to run a 5k or 4miler on July 4. Anyone running a race? If so, which one?

Coaches Conference, Panther Runnin' and Camp Dates

Coaches Conference - Coach Heather, Coach Em, Coach Kelcee and Coach Abi will be leaving for the Jamfest coaches conference on Friday, June 26. While there, we'll learn about the newest trends with uniforms, hair and makeup. We'll also take classes to help us customize our conditioning and training programs. We'll attend stunting and tumbling classes (taught by the leaders in the cheer industry). We'll be back on Sunday, June 28 with a renewed spirt and ready to tackle the 2009-2010 season!

Let us know if you have any specific questions that you want us to ask World Cup, Top Gun or the other "big dogs"!

Panther Runnin' - Several Panthers, coaches and parents have been hitting the pavement. Bob Foote, Stuart, Coach Nicole, Amber, Vicki, Katie, Coach Abigail, Coach Em, Elaine, Julie Young, Chrissy Jacobs, James, Derick....they've all been out there running. Some of the crew is training for the Columbus Marathon. Be sure to support the Panthers by encouraging them to keep up the miles!

Tell us what races you're planning to do. How do you feel in this summertime heat? Did you get new shoes? Do you want a running partner?

Stunt Camp - (Fury and Fierce)
Monday, June 29
12-5:00 Fury
4:30-9:30 Fierce

Tuesday, June 30
12-5:00 Fury
4:30-9:30 Fierce

Choreography Camp (Fury and Fierce)
July 11, 12, 13 (both teams, all three days - time tba)
July 14 (fierce only)

Choreography Camp (Ferocious and Fabulous)
July 18
9-11:30 Ferocious
12-3:00 Fabulous

JUNE 20th

**The pretty version of the flier went home with the kids this week... but here is the info.

2009 Year of the Cat
Summer Baseline!
Coach Heather 614.361.7351; Coach Emily 614.314.2285

When?
Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 a.m.

Where?
Homestead Park
4675 Cosgray Road
Hilliard, OH 43026
http://www.wtwp.com/parks/homestead.asp
Meet at the Caboose.

Who?
All teams
*Note: Mini Team does not need to do the fitness test. Mini team may arrive at 11:00

Why?
The Coaches need to get an idea of your baseline fitness level so that each athlete can receive proper training. Athletes should wear comfy workout attire and tennis shoes (not flip flops). Be prepared to run, do push ups, jump rope, crunch and etc. You will not compete against your team—instead you will only compete against yourself. The coaches will re-test your fitness level in a few months.
The Fitness Tests will run from
10-11:30 a.m.

Following the fitness tests, we’ll have a picnic and playtime. Bring a sack lunch and drink. You’re welcome to bring food/drink to share (if you want to).

Mom and Dad please join us to observe and participate in the fitness tests. You are also welcome and encouraged to join us at the picnic. Get to know the parents in the program too! We’ll be talking about goals for this season and ideas on how the coaches and the athletes plan to make this season top notch!

6.17.09 updates!

This Friday, June 19 is the Cirlce of Friends - info posted on the side of blog.

This Saturday, June 20 is the Panther Baseline Fitness Event - Homestead Park on Cosgray. Kids meet at 10 a.m. picnic at 11:30

18 weeks until the Columbus Marathon! We have several Panthers that will be training for this. Post your comments on the blog and support the runners!
http://www.columbusmarathon.com/

Panther updates for June 10 - Circle of Friends and Etc.

Panther stuff:

• Circle of Friends - see link on the right side of Blog. Friday, June 19 at New Albany Square. Many Panthers have done this race in the past. It's an awesome way to support Children's Hospital and Cancer research. Sometimes, it's special to run simply because
  "we can".
• Reminder that we do NOT have practice this coming Sunday, June 14. We do have practice the rest of the week.
• Fierce Level 5 athletes are not required to attend conditioning this Sunday. However, Coach Abi, Coach Kelcee, Coach Brian and Coach Nicole WILL be there are the regular scheduled time. If you want to above and beyond, they will be there for you. If you do choose to attend, please attend during your scheduled time. It's too crazy to have 15 of you there at one time.
• All Panther teams have been working hard and are doing a great job so far. Ya!

2009-2010 Summer Schedule

A few Moms and Dads have mentioned being firewalled from www.midwestpanthers.com. Therefore, in order to communicate to everyone, MPA coaches will plan to post information via website, email, facebook and blog.

Monday
7-9:00
MPA Fierce

7-8:00
Xtra tumbling- Fabulous

8-9:00
Xtra tumbling - Fury

Tuesday
6-7:00
Tumbling class

7-8:00
Xtra tumbling Fierce

7-9:00
MPA Fury

Wed
5:30-7:30
MPA Fabulous

7-9:00
MPA Fury

Thursday
5:30-7:00
MPA Ferocious

7-9:00
MPA Fierce

6-7:00
Hip hop- 8th grade and up

7-8:00
Xtra tumbling- Fabulous

8-9:00
Xtra tumbling - Fury

Sunday

2-3:30
Tumbling
Fierce Group A
Fury Group A

3:30-5:00
Tumbling
Fierce Group B
Fabulous Group A

4:30-6:00
Team practice
Ferocious (whole team)

4:30-6:00
Tumbling
Fabulous B

4:15-6:00
YMCA Level 5 training
Fierce Group A

6-7:45
YMCA Level 5 training
Fierce Group B

6-7:00
Tumbling
Ferocious group A

6-7:30
Team practice
Fabulous (whole team)

Fierce
Group A: Sabrina, Kaela, Kali, Roni, Lbug, Jenny, Adrienne, Buzzy, Hannah
Group B: Wobbles, Diana, Carlee, taylor, Shelby, Gretchen, Taryn, Eva, Heather
Fury
Fury group A – Danica, Micala, Lizzie, Sarah, Alexis, Lexi, Kayla, Erica, Taylor, Haley
Crossovers: Cienna, Peyton, Sarah, Destiny, Kalie, Jazzy, Gwen, Heather
Fabulous
Fabulous Group A = Alison, Madison, Nicole, Kendell, Brice, Katie, Regan, Kaitlyn
Fabulous Group B= Cienna, Peyton, Sarah, Destiny, Kalie, Jazzy, Gwen, Ana
Ferocious
Ferocious Group A = Ava, Chloe, Kassidy, Vivienne, Elaina
Crossovers: Alison, Madison, Nicole, Kendell, Brice, Katie, Regan, Kaitlyn

Year of the Cat!

Okay, so the kiddies might like Facebook but according to the parent surveys, not many of our parents have Facebook. And several folks mentioned that they are firewalled from Facebook at work.Therefore, we'll post parent stuff on the blog, Facebook and email. That should cover it.

Several panther gems participated in the race for the cure. Do tell...we want to read your story.

Several people plan to participate in the relay for life next week. Tell us when you're comin'! Race link is available on the right side of this blog.

I have heard that some folks have plans for a half marathon, new workout plans and new diets. Do tell.

I know Bob and Stu have race plans...and Vickie and Amber and other youth moms started training. Brian and I have been training some Panthers and running on our own. Penny and Abi are running...Elaine? Debra? Chrissy? Everyone spill it.

I plan to go for a run at Antrim on Saturday and then grab brunch. Anyone wanna join?

So then...its season 12 - It's the year of the cat...there's only one. We gotta start things off with a bang..+r a growl. Now let's get off the couch and start training. Wahhh hooo!

US Finals
Cincinnati - April 25
This is the very last time that Panthers will perform their 2008-2009 routines.
Goooo Panthers!

No practice
April 26 - May 3
Rest up!

Banquet
May 2 at noon at the Makoy Center
* Several Panther parents are also participating in the Cap City 1/2 marathon on this day!

First practice of 2009-2010 season
May 4
It's go time!

Race for the Cure
May 16
Oodles of Panthers and families are participating in this event. If you need a runnin' buddy, this is a great site to find some pals and some inspiration!
http://www.komencolumbus.org/race-information/

Relay for Life
May 29, 30
Email Katie Robinson at boosters@midwestpanthers.com
Panther race website: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09OH?px=10245466&pg=personal&fr_id=16472&fl=en_US&et=x6mkoYnk4FwRJgy97Z0BQw..&s_tafId=279504

No Practice
June 14-20

Race for the Cure and more!

Race for the cure:
Saturday,May 16
Downtown Columbus
5k(3.1) run/walk
Race starts at 8:30
Registration info http://www.komencolumbus.org/

Vickie, Amber and Katie are ready to tackle this one! Buzz and I will walk since she won't be released to run. Who else is on board?

More race stuff: Stuart will participating in an UltraMarathon (30 miles) on April 19 at Mohican State Park. Go Stu.

Gang, please post other race info on the blosite so we can nose into your business.

Other info: several parents have inquired about the idea of MPA offering a parent blogsite. Because we have several sites already (and because we are running out words that begin with "g") we plan to use the gem site for our health/exercise postings and for general parent information.

Easter: No practice on Easter Sunday (Sunday, April 12)

More Easter stuff: I plan to head on over to the Zoo for Eggs, Paws and Claws on Sat. April 11. The kids would have fun...come join me! http://www.columbuszoo.org/EggsPawsandClaws.aspx

Zoo photos: If you wanna get inspired to go to the zoo, check out Stu's photos http://13stuart13.blogspot.com/2009/03/columbus-zoo.html

Jewelry Party: Ms. Elaine is having a party on April 18. She is a wonderful designer and she makes gorgeous custom art pieces. Shoot her a little note if you're interested in more. http://www.unatiaespecial.etsy.com/ contact her at unatiaespecial@yahoo.com

Exhibition on Sunday April 19

Tryout info: Coach H is uploading the tryout into onto the Panther website. Goooo Heather go!


Summer babysittin': Several of the older Panthers like to babysit in the summertime. I'll collect some info from them so that the younger Panthers can pal around with the older Panthers this summer. Hey, if you want a good sitter, you might as well pick one that can help your daughter work on her high V and jumps!

GemFit

Gemfit Sunday, 3.1.09

6-7:00 p.m. upstairs

Coach Shawna will be teaching!

March Race!

Hey it's time to get on out there and face the cold! Bob just crushed the Last Chance marathon and Stu did the 1/2. The rest of us need to get on out there and join the fun!

Several Gems have mentioned that they've signed up for this one. Would be fun for a bunch of us to do it. The Panthers will be marchin' in the parade...we might as well join the fun by doing the run before the parade! Ya!

The Start/Finish will be in Historic Downtown Dublin near the intersection of Bridge St. and Dublin Rd.

Date: Saturday March 14, 2009
http://stpatricksday4miler.com/
Start Time: 9:00am
Entry Fee: $27 before March 8, $32 on March 8 through March 13 and $35 on Race Day
The entry fee includes a colorful event t-shirt.
Shirts are only guaranteed to the first 500 participants.

Gems!

Brrr! It's not easy to find the urge to burn calories during this time of year!

Updates for Sunday:
2-3:00 on Sunday - I'm meeting some Panthers at Dublin Rec Center for a workout. Y'all are welcome to join.

6:00-7:00 Gemfit will be taught by Coach Shawna this Sunday. You'll have a bawl. Shawna is a riot.

Frozen Nose!

Hi y'all!

Sorry for my delay with the post. I was in Indy and now I have this silly head cold. So do tell me about the plan for the Frozen Nose! Vickie had some concerns about the trail being a bit too icy. Updates on that?

Tell me about your training too. How is everyone doing?

A few of the kids on the team have been chatting about the Special K diet. Many want to start on that plan and they want my opinion. I've not ever heard of this. Tell us what you know...

Let is Snow!!!

Gems work out class: Amber, Vickie, Katie and I stretched, lifted and did some dancin'! It was fun . We learned about 6-7 eight counts of dance choreography and we'll keep building until we get about 16 eight counts. Good stuff.

No Gems class next Sunday, January 18 since I'll be in Indy...woo hoo!

I plan to reconnect with y'all the following Sunday, January 25. Run outside around 5:10 and then meet upstairs at 6:05 for stretching/lifting/dancin'. We'll be calling that class "Gem Fit". I'm going to have Heather record me doing the steps and we'll post it on the page so y'all can practice at home!

Frozen Nose 4 miler on Saturday, January 24. Click on link off to the right so you can find out more info. Vickie...do we get to have snacks at your house after? Or do you have a place in Marysville that we can grab a bite to celebrate our victory?

Other updates:
* Babytail (Piggytail's son) turns 1 years old on Friday, Jan 16
* Elaine is starting a jewelry store (online). Be sure to check it out.
* Stu has great photos on his blogsite (link on the right, Jakey's page)

Homestead run postponed

Buzzy's ankles are not strong enough to run on ice. She and I will be going to the gym to run indoors.

Sorry folks, we can handle cold weather (in fact, I prefer to run in cold weather) but Buzzy cannot run on ice.

Y'all can still do your thang and I'll catch up with you on Sunday.

Sunday:
5:10 ish run outside (you're on your own because I'll be with Glam)
6:05 lift upstairs. I'll be there! Get ready for action, we're going to work hard!

Note: regarding Dance Jam...I've taught a ton of dance/cardio classes. Would you like to do that on Sunday? I can incorporate dance + weights + bootcamp

Workouts this week

Saturday, January 10 - Homestead Park on Cosgray 4:00 p.m. (I need to be at Midwest by 5:00)
Please let me know if you plan to come to that one.

Sunday, January 11 - Midwest
5:10 run/walk outside
6:00 lift upstairs

Potential Group Race

Frozen Nose 4 Miler
Saturday, January 24th
http://www.alliancerunning.com/frozen4miler.htm

Updates from the gang

Vickie and Amber are running outside and lifting indoors

Bob and Stuart are running outside. What races do y'all have coming up?

Katie is running on treadmill and working out with Constance

Elaine is working out with EveAnn

Debra is on treadmill

Abigail has been sick. Have you been able to run at all?

Brian/Nicole?? How are you two doing with your workouts?

Piggytail, how about you?

Jenny, Julie and Julie?? Haven't heard from you ladies in awhile...spill it.

How is everyone doing? Do you need a kick in the pants? A pat on the back? Do tell...

Healthy Recipe

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups dry garbanzo beans
10 cups vegetable stock
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 pounds tomatoes, chopped
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 pounds fresh fennel bulbs, trimmed and chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh shelled green peas

DIRECTIONS
Place the garbanzo beans in a pot with enough water to cover, and soak 8 hours, or overnight. Drain and rinse.

In a large pot, stir together the soaked beans and vegetable stock. Mix in 2 cloves minced garlic and the red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 45 minutes, or until beans are tender.

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the remaining garlic, tomatoes, and basil in the skillet, and cook 2 minutes, or just until the basil is wilted. Remove from heat, and set aside.

Mix the fennel and onions into the pot with the garbanzo beans. Season with salt. Continue cooking 15 minutes. Mix in the tomatoes, basil, and peas, and continue cooking 5 minutes, until peas are tender. Serve hot.

Start Healthy Living Today!

Vickie and I enjoyed a great New Year's Day run. It was a great course! We celebrated our victory with PiggyTail and Elaine at Northstar! Yum.

PiggyTail gave me a training journal for a New Year's gift and I'll use that as a reminder to stay on course. I want to live a long healthy life. I had better stay away from too many cookies and I had better be sure to keep up my exercise plan.

May this year be a fresh start for everyone. It's never too late to take care of your body. I often fall off the wagon and it's hard to get back on track. I don't like to exercise. I like to play sports. So if there is no sport involved, I'm not interested. But that's such a sissy way of dealing with my health. It's not responsible and I hope to stay on track with my exercise this year.

I've spent the majority of my holiday either at the nursing home, the James Cancer Hospital or the OSU intensive care unit. I've been around heart breaking illness. I've listened to families grieve over losing the people they love. And I've seen this horrible disease take the wind out of Mom's sails.

I don't ever want to end up in a hospital like this. It's nearly unbearable to see these people suffering this way. I am just so thankful to be healthy (for now). I want to live; I want to be physically comfortable and emotionally strong. It's very important that I take very good care of my body so that I don't suffer the consequences later in my life. The damage that I do to my body now could show up in 10 years. I want to avoid that.

I encourage you to allow my mother's illness to inspire you to stay on course with your health.

Get out there and enjoy the fresh air. If it's cold outside, then put on a coat and mittens. Each time you have the urge to skip your workout....just remind yourself that if you were in the intensive care unit....you would wish that you were strong enough to get outside and exercise. I will be giving myself that reminder each day. When I try to talk myself out of my next workout, I will remember these patients and I will remember that it's important to celebrate each day of my life. If I was stuck in a hospital bed, I know that I would be wishing that I were running instead.

Gems....we gotta stick together and stay on course. When one of us falls off the wagon, we must nag and get everyone back on track. That's what training groups do...we keep each other going.

Now, most importantly...call your mother. Tell you love her. Call your girlfriends. Tell them that you appreciate their friendship. Hug your children. Don't waste any energy on negativity. Take a few moments to appreciate your life.

Eat healthy. Exercise. Laugh. Enjoy.

Note: Because Mom's health has taken a turn in the wrong direction, I might not be at Midwest on Sunday. We start our run/walk at 5:10 p.m. If I am able, I will be there to join you. If not, I hope you'll celebrate your life by walking/running anyways. If I am there, we will plan to lift upstairs after our walk/run. We'll meet upstairs around 5:40 and lift until 6:10.