Sassy Strong Fit Mom

Sweating For More

9/17/2016

So a little over two years ago, my friend and health coach was diagnosed with stage 4 Lymphoma in the same week I was diagnosed with stage 2 Sarcoma. She listened to a podcast or watched a youtube video of Stuart Scott and his battle with cancer and how fitness was his therapy between treatments.

So we as a team began sweating for something bigger, and it has turned into this idea that every sweat matters. So we began sweating for my good friend Katy who was in a battle for her life. On the days she couldn't workout because of treatment, we sweat for her, and dedicated our workout to her. To many this idea may seem odd, but it really did help lift her up. So we continue to sweat for friends and family on our team that are struggling in difficult times. So what's the point of this blog post?!

EVERY SWEAT MATTERS - It matters to you, it matters to me, and it matters to someone you never met. Here's why: It inspires & gives hope!

So let's talk more about making it really matter. 5K's and obstacle races. So today I want to personally recommend a few great annual events in the Pittsburgh, PA area. All of these events I was drawn to because I was sweating for a cause.

My Recommendations & Why!

A couple of things these all have in common. They all directly support funding cancer programs to help families and work towards treatment cures. Also, all of these events are family friendly and are held on Saturdays. This is really important to me because Sunday is reserved for church and family.

Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma 5K Run/Walk

Pineapple Classic 5K Obstacle

AIM for the Cure
Melanoma 5K Run/Walk

Location: North Park Boathouse
When: July

Great for the whole family. My 5 year old actually ran most of the 5 K course this year.

While this is a hot time of year, the course has some shade providing relief throughout the run. The course is relatively flat and great for jogging strollers. Many kids activities, bounce houses, face painting, balloon making, and a mini dash race. This is also an official timed course and rewards given for runners in a variety divisions. At then end fill up on Texas Roadhouse after a great run. Also doctors and surivors speak at the event to help with education about Sarcoma.

CLICK HERE FOR
MORE INFO

Location: Hartwood Acres - Concert Area
When: September

Great for the whole family. However, the children have their own course. The adult course is not meant for a stroller and is definitely difficult if you plan to attack this full force. The course has many hills and requires jumping over fire, carrying a pineapple, running across balance beams, sack races, crawling through tunnels, and the grand finale of slip and slide.

Great fun atmosphere, adult beverages provided as well as a nice spread of snacks and DiBella's subs to fill you up after a great race.

Bounce houses and games for kids as well!

CLICK HERE FOR
MORE INFO

Location: North Shore Pittsburgh Heinz Field
When: April

Great for the whole family. Easy course, not quite a 5K just short by 0.2 miles according to my tracker.

The course takes you on a wonderful run through the North Shore near and around the stadiums. Then on the way back you get to enjoy the river walk trail.

This event is great because the weather is nice and cool and makes it a great prep for the running season. Also, this course is great for beginning runners. This even was well organized and had cops all along the course to ensure safety.
One downfall is that there is not much to do for children,

CLICK HERE FOR
MORE INFO

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Simply Saving the Best for Last!

8/26/2016

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Ranch Turkey Burgers with
Ranch Zucchini Potato Bake

Ranch Seasoning Mix
From: thepinningmama.com
Ingredients

2 tsp salt
4 tbsp parsley
3 tsp dill weed
2 tsp dried chives
4 tsp garlic powder
4 tsp onion powder
4 tsp dried onion flakes
2 tsp black pepper

Ranch Turkey Burgers
Use 2 T of Ranch Seasoning
Mix in the seasoning to 1.25 lbs of Ground Turkey.
Make into Patties & Grill!

Ranch Zucchini Potato Bake
Modified from Gimmedelicious.com
Ingredients

2 medium russet potatoes
2 medium zucchini (you can also use squash)
1 T Ranch Seasoning
1/2 Cup of Shredded Cheddar
PAM

Instructions

Peel and bake potatoes slightly in the microwave. Let cool.
Grate zucchini on the large side of the grater then place it on a paper towel or dish cloth and drain as much water as you can out of it. Next grate the potatoes.
Place the grated zucchini and potatoes into a medium bowl, add Ranch Mix and Cheddar and Mix.
Spray 9x13 pan with PAM and press mixture into dish.
Bake 400 degrees Fahrenheit until browned a crispy on the bottom, about 35 minutes

Simply Fit Workout

Day 5 Simply Fit!
No Workout Video Today - Didn't have the time earlier, and have been pretty sick this evening. So here is the exercise combo:
All Exercises 1 Minute & Repeat!
1. Bent over row kick back with medium weight
2. Squat 30 seconds deep squats - 30 seconds pulse squats
3. With a Light weight in each twist and punch across your body.
4. Lay on floor and do elbow to knee bicycle crunches.

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Day 4 - Keeping it Simply Fit, Delicious, & Healthy

8/25/2016

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Crockpot Mango/Peach Chicken
1lb Chicken breasts
1 Cup of Mango peach salsa
1 Can of Black beans
1 Diced peppers
3 diced peaches

Cook chicken on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Shred chicken and cook a little longer. Serve over rice or in a tortilla. Tortilla is a little sloppy but so good!

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Keeping it Simply Fit Day 3

8/23/2016

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Simply Delicious Shrimp Diavlo

1 lb of Shrimp
1 Onion
2 Tomatoes
2 Peppers
1/2 Cup Red Sauce
2 T Olive OIl
2 T Minced Garlic
1 Cup of Whole Wheat Pasta

Cook pasta al dente.
Cook onion, peppers, and tomatoes in oil until softened. Add garlic for 1 minute. Remove Vegetable mixture and add shrimp to the juices and cook shrimp through.

Once shrimp is cooked mix all ingredients together. Serve with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Makes 4 Servings

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Day 2 of Simply Fit Challenge

8/23/2016

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Simply Delicious Recipe 2

Roasted Tomato & Chicken Pasta

Enough Tomatoes to Make about 4 Cups of Roasted tomatoes. I had a baking sheet filled with tomatoes cut in half.
1/2 Medium Onion Diced
1 Cup of Prepared Tomato Sauce
2 Green Peppers Sliced
Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
1 cup of Dry Wheat Pasta
1 Lb of Chicken

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450. Cut tomatoes in half, place on a baking sheet, and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes.
2. Season chicken (I used montreal chicken seasoning) and bake or grill until cooked through.
3. Cut up pepper and onions and cook down in olive oil.
4. When roasted tomatoes are finished and slightly cooled, chop into smaller pieces and add to pepper and onion mixture.
5. Add sauce and pepper flakes to the veggie mixture.
6. Cook the pasta according to instructions.
7. Slice cooked chicken.
8. Add chicken and pasta to veggie skillet, and let cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors combine.

Enjoy! Sorry I forgot to take a picture of this one!