Recipe from Dine & Dish on The Mushroom Channel. Served with Yellow Tail Shiraz.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
First "fundraiser" was a success!
I spent 4 hours today freezing my butt off standing outside the Stop & Shop store in Braintree to spread the word about the CCFA and Team Challenge . I was not dressed warmly enough, but I wanted to wear my Team Challenge t-shirt and it was really just my toes that were cold anyway.
Either way, I got to witness first hand today the generosity of the community I live in. Working for a nonprofit organization, I see good deeds being done for good causes every day - but this just blew me away! Altogether, I raised over $200 between change, singles, and even much larger bills. Many people who stopped at my table shared with me about a loved one in their life living with Crohn's or colitis, made a donation, and thanked me and the Team for our hard work running for a cure. A lot of people also stopped to make a donation not knowing about the cause, but asking questions and then wishing me luck.
One woman who stopped at my table revealed to me that she was 86 and had undergone surgery many years ago to remove 14" of her colon. She said they didn't have things like running half marathons for good causes when she was young, but if they did she would have gotten involved too. It gave me hope to see her at a "ripe age" looking healthy and living happily. Maybe by helping to fund research for a cure, and support services for families affected by Crohn's and colitis, we will be able to see many more living to such an old and contented age.
I also met someone today who is friends with one of our coaches, Rocco. He knew all about Team Challenge and wished me luck. He told me he is training for the Boston Marathon right now with Team in Training, but still stopped to encourage me and make a donation.
I even met the husband of another Team Challenge runner today!
When I was done with my "reserved" time slot, I packed up my table (see picture below!) and headed towards my car. As I was putting my blue and orange decorations into the back seat, I noticed the guy behind me stop and reach for his wallet. I smiled and said, "hello" (which I had been doing a lot all day) and then remembered that I was also still wearing my Team Challenge t-shirt. He handed me some ones and said, "I said I would catch you on my way out. I'm glad I saw you before you left. Good luck with your training!" I said "thank you" in a very shocked - and what I hope was grateful - tone and put the donations into my collection jar. I think that was actually the biggest highlight of my day. If I am able to inspire others to action - even an action as simple as tracking me down for a couple of dollars - then I have done my job as a Team Challenge runner, and as an advocate for the CCFA.
While I ended the afternoon with frozen toes, a runny nose, and very sore legs/back (because I also forgot to bring a chair with me so I had to stand for four hours straight) I would say all in all it was a very successful day. I walked away from my first "fundraiser" the happiest I've been all week! I seriously had a smile on my face today that would not go away! Thank you to everyone in the Braintree community that stopped at my table to support this important cause. And thanks especially to Nick's friends and family members that stopped by and I'm sure spread the word inside. With your support and generosity I am sure we will find the cure!
Happy spring!
ashley
<3
Either way, I got to witness first hand today the generosity of the community I live in. Working for a nonprofit organization, I see good deeds being done for good causes every day - but this just blew me away! Altogether, I raised over $200 between change, singles, and even much larger bills. Many people who stopped at my table shared with me about a loved one in their life living with Crohn's or colitis, made a donation, and thanked me and the Team for our hard work running for a cure. A lot of people also stopped to make a donation not knowing about the cause, but asking questions and then wishing me luck.
One woman who stopped at my table revealed to me that she was 86 and had undergone surgery many years ago to remove 14" of her colon. She said they didn't have things like running half marathons for good causes when she was young, but if they did she would have gotten involved too. It gave me hope to see her at a "ripe age" looking healthy and living happily. Maybe by helping to fund research for a cure, and support services for families affected by Crohn's and colitis, we will be able to see many more living to such an old and contented age.
I also met someone today who is friends with one of our coaches, Rocco. He knew all about Team Challenge and wished me luck. He told me he is training for the Boston Marathon right now with Team in Training, but still stopped to encourage me and make a donation.
I even met the husband of another Team Challenge runner today!
When I was done with my "reserved" time slot, I packed up my table (see picture below!) and headed towards my car. As I was putting my blue and orange decorations into the back seat, I noticed the guy behind me stop and reach for his wallet. I smiled and said, "hello" (which I had been doing a lot all day) and then remembered that I was also still wearing my Team Challenge t-shirt. He handed me some ones and said, "I said I would catch you on my way out. I'm glad I saw you before you left. Good luck with your training!" I said "thank you" in a very shocked - and what I hope was grateful - tone and put the donations into my collection jar. I think that was actually the biggest highlight of my day. If I am able to inspire others to action - even an action as simple as tracking me down for a couple of dollars - then I have done my job as a Team Challenge runner, and as an advocate for the CCFA.
While I ended the afternoon with frozen toes, a runny nose, and very sore legs/back (because I also forgot to bring a chair with me so I had to stand for four hours straight) I would say all in all it was a very successful day. I walked away from my first "fundraiser" the happiest I've been all week! I seriously had a smile on my face today that would not go away! Thank you to everyone in the Braintree community that stopped at my table to support this important cause. And thanks especially to Nick's friends and family members that stopped by and I'm sure spread the word inside. With your support and generosity I am sure we will find the cure!
Happy spring!
ashley
<3
 |
| Tabling outside of Stop & Shop in Braintree. Thanks to my community for their generosity! |
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
AmeriCorps Week Special: I'm Running to Serve
It's AmeriCorps week! #ACWeek is a time for AmeriCorps volunteers and alums to reflect on our service and share why #AmeriCorpsWorks for us. So, in honor of this national week of service and reflection, I would like to share the story of how my AmeriCorps service inspired me to run this summer for Team Challenge, and continues to help me along my journey:
After graduating college in 2009, I embarked on a year of national service as an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer. I did a year of service as Volunteer Outreach Coordinator at a Boston-based organization called Cradles to Crayons, where I helped to provide everyday essential items to children in Massachusetts living in low-income or homeless situations.
If there is one thing that my year of service taught me, it's that in order to be a leader, you must serve others. Lao Tzo, known as the father of Taoism, once said, "To lead the people, walk behind them." I spent my year of service dedicating almost every waking minute working to ensure I did my best and the absolute most I could do to enable the organization to serve more children. In the end, I found that I was a role model and leader for others in the organization, and those volunteers that serve with us, to do the same. That is exactly what I hope to do as a runner on the Team Challenge New England team. I am already working hard on training and fundraising, spending every free minute I have to ensure I reach my goals and do everything in my power to support the CCFA in its search for a cure. I hope that my efforts in turn inspire those around me to give what they can to support this cause that is so close to my heart - whether it is words of support, a share of my fundraising link, or sponsorship of my run.
Passion is another value that I have taken away from my time in AmeriCorps. One can just care about a cause, and they will contribute to its success. But when a person has passion for a cause is when they can truly make a difference. I have been touched personally by this cause - someone that I love very much has been battling ulcerative colitis for almost five years - and he gave me the spark that ignited my passion for the CCFA. Over 1.5 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn's or colitis. These chronic, painful, and often debilitating digestive disorders most often affect adolescents and young adults ages 15-35. They are caused by both genetics and environmental triggers, and can cost over $8,000 per year in direct medical expenses for one individual. But together we can make a difference! The CCFA has played a role in almost every major research breakthrough since its founding in 1967. Together, we can support the CCFA in better understanding the causes of IBD, finding a cure, and supporting the individuals and families affected by these disorders. Please support me as I train to run 13.1 miles for a cure!
One last thing that I have been able to take away from my year of service, is that everyone can use their own strengths and interests to make a difference. I love to run. I'm pretty decent at it too! When I heard about the Team Challenge program to train to run a half marathon while raising money for CCFA I couldn't say no. I can continue to do something I love, while working hard to spread the word (talking is something I love and am good at too!) to raise money for a worthwhile cause. I have only identified as being a runner for a couple years. I started in order to get fit, and it has turned into a rewarding habit and hobby. This will be my first half marathon ever, and as I train each week I will set records for the longest distance I've ever run. I am sure that I will run more half and full marathons, but I am proud to be running my first alongside my Team Challenge teammates for the CCFA.
In short, my service in AmeriCorps has inspired me, and instilled in me the character I need, to continue to make a difference. Running and fundraising for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America is one way I am choosing to continue my service through proven and effective methods. I hope you will join my journey to support the CCFA in finding a cure for Crohn's and colitis. You can support my run by visiting my fundraising page at: http://www.active.com/donate/napaNE13/ashleyt or by taking the time to spread the word to your networks, family, and friends - you never know who is affected and would love an opportunity to support the cause!
Thank you, AmeriCorps, for the opportunity to serve. And thank you for continuing to "work for me" as an alumni!
Yours in Service,
ashley
All facts regarding the CCFA, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, were taken directly from published literature provided by the CCFA.
After graduating college in 2009, I embarked on a year of national service as an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer. I did a year of service as Volunteer Outreach Coordinator at a Boston-based organization called Cradles to Crayons, where I helped to provide everyday essential items to children in Massachusetts living in low-income or homeless situations.
If there is one thing that my year of service taught me, it's that in order to be a leader, you must serve others. Lao Tzo, known as the father of Taoism, once said, "To lead the people, walk behind them." I spent my year of service dedicating almost every waking minute working to ensure I did my best and the absolute most I could do to enable the organization to serve more children. In the end, I found that I was a role model and leader for others in the organization, and those volunteers that serve with us, to do the same. That is exactly what I hope to do as a runner on the Team Challenge New England team. I am already working hard on training and fundraising, spending every free minute I have to ensure I reach my goals and do everything in my power to support the CCFA in its search for a cure. I hope that my efforts in turn inspire those around me to give what they can to support this cause that is so close to my heart - whether it is words of support, a share of my fundraising link, or sponsorship of my run.
Passion is another value that I have taken away from my time in AmeriCorps. One can just care about a cause, and they will contribute to its success. But when a person has passion for a cause is when they can truly make a difference. I have been touched personally by this cause - someone that I love very much has been battling ulcerative colitis for almost five years - and he gave me the spark that ignited my passion for the CCFA. Over 1.5 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn's or colitis. These chronic, painful, and often debilitating digestive disorders most often affect adolescents and young adults ages 15-35. They are caused by both genetics and environmental triggers, and can cost over $8,000 per year in direct medical expenses for one individual. But together we can make a difference! The CCFA has played a role in almost every major research breakthrough since its founding in 1967. Together, we can support the CCFA in better understanding the causes of IBD, finding a cure, and supporting the individuals and families affected by these disorders. Please support me as I train to run 13.1 miles for a cure!
One last thing that I have been able to take away from my year of service, is that everyone can use their own strengths and interests to make a difference. I love to run. I'm pretty decent at it too! When I heard about the Team Challenge program to train to run a half marathon while raising money for CCFA I couldn't say no. I can continue to do something I love, while working hard to spread the word (talking is something I love and am good at too!) to raise money for a worthwhile cause. I have only identified as being a runner for a couple years. I started in order to get fit, and it has turned into a rewarding habit and hobby. This will be my first half marathon ever, and as I train each week I will set records for the longest distance I've ever run. I am sure that I will run more half and full marathons, but I am proud to be running my first alongside my Team Challenge teammates for the CCFA.
In short, my service in AmeriCorps has inspired me, and instilled in me the character I need, to continue to make a difference. Running and fundraising for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America is one way I am choosing to continue my service through proven and effective methods. I hope you will join my journey to support the CCFA in finding a cure for Crohn's and colitis. You can support my run by visiting my fundraising page at: http://www.active.com/donate/napaNE13/ashleyt or by taking the time to spread the word to your networks, family, and friends - you never know who is affected and would love an opportunity to support the cause!
Thank you, AmeriCorps, for the opportunity to serve. And thank you for continuing to "work for me" as an alumni!
Yours in Service,
ashley
All facts regarding the CCFA, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, were taken directly from published literature provided by the CCFA.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Injury?
On Wednesday afternoon I was at work - just walking around - when all of a sudden I got a sharp pain up the center of my right ankle. I haven't been able to walk on it for a few days, but this morning I woke up and it was totally fine. Friday was a snow day, so I kept off it and had it elevated, but Thursday and Saturday I had to work in the warehouse so was walking around on it most of the day. I had this weird limp going on because I couldn't step flat on my foot without pain, so I was keeping the weight on the outside or inside of the foot. But this morning it was totally fine, and I even ran 3.6 miles today. So I don't know what's wrong with it. I'm gong to call my doctor first thing in the morning to see if I can get an appointment for Monday or Tuesday. Because even though it's fine, I don't want it to actually be something more serious and then take me out completely in the middle of training for the most important race of my life so far.
I think it was caused by a combination of things. I haven't been running regularly since the first snowstorm in January, and then I did two weeks of running 3-4 times per week. So it may just be my feet getting used to pounding the pavement again. But also, I've been wearing shoes that are not so great for my feet. I have a pair of black heel boots, black flats, flat MacBeth sneakers, and moccasin slippers that are all pretty flat arch-wise that I've been wearing around, so maybe two straight weeks of wearing sneakers with ultra-supportive arches are what did me in? Either way, I will post an update once I've had a chance to talk to the doctor. Here's hoping for 13.1!
ashley
I think it was caused by a combination of things. I haven't been running regularly since the first snowstorm in January, and then I did two weeks of running 3-4 times per week. So it may just be my feet getting used to pounding the pavement again. But also, I've been wearing shoes that are not so great for my feet. I have a pair of black heel boots, black flats, flat MacBeth sneakers, and moccasin slippers that are all pretty flat arch-wise that I've been wearing around, so maybe two straight weeks of wearing sneakers with ultra-supportive arches are what did me in? Either way, I will post an update once I've had a chance to talk to the doctor. Here's hoping for 13.1!
ashley
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Tonight's Vegan Dinner: A colorful and spicy evening!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
The Journey Begins
I started training this week for the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon that will take place on July 21st. More importantly, I began my training for this 13.1 mile race with Team Challenge - an endurance and fundraising program to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) in supporting affected families and finding a cure.
This will be my first half marathon ever, and every week of my training will set a precedent for the longest distance I've run to date (which is currently 7 miles).
It has been a few weeks since I've been out running (the blizzard set me back a bit), but I laced up again this week and started my training. This week I took it a bit easy to help myself get back into the swing of things - I did 3 runs just under 3 miles for about 30 mins each. You can see my progress on my twitter feed in the right sidebar, or you can view my RunKeeper profile by clicking my weekly mileage total in the top right corner of my sidebar.
This morning I was supposed to join the rest of the team for our first group run, but it was a bit too far for me to travel, so I ran on my own for 30 mins.
I have set a goal of raising $4,500 to support the CCFA and would like to reach $3,000 before April 15th - please support me to reach this goal! You can make a secure online donation on my Team Challenge fundraising page, or you can send cash/checks directly to me. Please message/comment for offline donation information. Also, please ask about whether your company provides matching gifts.
I plan to use this blog to track my training, share about what a vegan eats while training for a half marathon, and to share my experiences about this physically and emotionally challenging experience. I hope you will continue to read my posts and follow me through this journey to Run for a Cure!
Thank you for your support in this incredible challenge!
xoxo
ashley
This will be my first half marathon ever, and every week of my training will set a precedent for the longest distance I've run to date (which is currently 7 miles).
It has been a few weeks since I've been out running (the blizzard set me back a bit), but I laced up again this week and started my training. This week I took it a bit easy to help myself get back into the swing of things - I did 3 runs just under 3 miles for about 30 mins each. You can see my progress on my twitter feed in the right sidebar, or you can view my RunKeeper profile by clicking my weekly mileage total in the top right corner of my sidebar.
This morning I was supposed to join the rest of the team for our first group run, but it was a bit too far for me to travel, so I ran on my own for 30 mins.
I have set a goal of raising $4,500 to support the CCFA and would like to reach $3,000 before April 15th - please support me to reach this goal! You can make a secure online donation on my Team Challenge fundraising page, or you can send cash/checks directly to me. Please message/comment for offline donation information. Also, please ask about whether your company provides matching gifts.
I plan to use this blog to track my training, share about what a vegan eats while training for a half marathon, and to share my experiences about this physically and emotionally challenging experience. I hope you will continue to read my posts and follow me through this journey to Run for a Cure!
Thank you for your support in this incredible challenge!
xoxo
ashley
 |
| Crossing the finish line at the Tufts 10K for Women 2012 - my longest race yet! |
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