Run For Food, But First Eat A Good Breakfast

I’m a runner.  Not a marathoner, but an easily finishing a 5K-type of runner.  Sometimes I’m able to drag my daughter along with me.  The above picture was taken last Spring, in Bidwell Park, when Sarah and I did a 5k run last year for our local Humane Society.  Sarah is holding onto Darla, a Humane Society resident, who gave me a serious workout. 

 I love Thanksgiving. I enjoy the food, the time spent with family and friends – I even enjoy the weather.  It’s busy, though. Really, really busy.  This year, my daughter, Sarah, and I are doing this…….

Please join us for the 3rd annual Run for Food!  This 5k run/walk will begin and end at the One Mile Recreation area of beautiful Bidwell Park on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 9 a.m.  All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and post-race refreshments.

Run for Food began in 2006 when a group of Chico families and businesses saw the amazing impact the Jesus Center has on providing food and services to those in need in Chico.  Aware that the Jesus Center is funded solely by community support, they came together to organize the Thanksgiving Day run/walk with all proceeds benefiting the Jesus Center. 

Since its inception, the event has continued to grow attracting nearly 2,000 participants in 2007 and raising over $60,000 for the homeless and poor of the community.  This incredible sum helped to support the Sabbath House Shelter for women and children, and provide for the almost 100,000 meals the Jesus Center will serve the less fortunate this year.

Sarah and I did the run the first year, but last year, we were up in Klamath Falls, Oregon, enjoying the holiday with my boyfriend, Steve, and his children. This year, the kids are with their mom, and Steve is spending the holiday with his family in Oregon.

I’m looking forward to the run. It will be a nice break before the busyness of the day begins. Sarah and I will need some good fuel before we begin our trek.  Something like this for Spiced Pumpkin Pancake recipe that I found at Chose Veg.com. It features pumpkin. I love to use pumpkin this time of year. Another favorite is a Pumpkin Pie Latte (see recipe below) from About.com Coffee/Tea . 

If you are in the United Sates, then I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. If you are not, then I wish you a Happy Thursday! Either way, check out these recipes, they are wonderful……. and don’t forget to check out my giveaway, only two days left to enter.

Recipes after the break………

Spiced Pumpkin PancakesThese unusual spiced pancakes are perfect for a weekend brunch. Top with thinly sliced fresh fruit such as peaches, strawberries, or even bananas, and hot maple syrup. Serves 4-6

Combine the pumpkin with the dry ingredients.

Mix water, oil, and soymilk and add to pumpkin mixture. Beat just until smooth.

Heat griddle or frying pan and oil lightly. Use about 1/4-cup of batter for each pancake; cook until bubbles appear, then turn. Remove when pancakes are golden and slightly firm to the touch.

Recipe from The Vegetarian No-Cholesterol Family-Style Cookbook by Kate Schumann and Virginia Messina, M.P.H., R.D.

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Pumpkin Pie Latte

Ingredients:

• 1 tbs canned pumpkin
• 2 tbs vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon, ground
• 1 cup milk (or plain soy milk)
• 1/2 cup strong coffee, or 1/4 cup espresso

Preparation:

In a saucepan, heat milk and pumpkin until steaming. Stir in vanilla and cinnamon. Put mixture in a blender, and blend for 15-20 seconds until thick and foamy. Pour into tall glass, then add coffee (or espresso). Top with a sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice or ground nutmeg.
Serves 1

Bidwell Park Image: Michelle

Run For Food Image: Run For Food.com