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Welcome to the Official Site of The Y in Central Maryland Turkey Trot Charity 5K! We are excited to have you join us for this Thanksgiving morning tradition.

Adults, children and families from across the region come together to not only run (or walk, jog, stroll), but to raise funds so that children living in poverty in Central Maryland have access to Y programs that will forever shape their lives.

Thank you for being part of something good on Thanksgiving Morning!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Don't Forget!

Not a Y Member, yet? Good news! Your registration for the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K automatically kicks-off your complimentary Y membership - good for up to 30 days until December 31, 2015! Stop by any Y Center to activate your 30-day free Y membership today and start training for the race.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Online Registration CLOSED - Register in Person

Online registration for the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K has closed BUT you can still register in person!

In-person registration is available at packet pick up only:


Arnold:
Baltimore City:
Bel Air:
Ellicott City:
Towson:
Westminster:
Day-of registration is available from 7 - 8am at all six event locations.
See you soon!

Online Registration Closes TONIGHT - MONDAY 8PM

Friday, November 20, 2015

Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Something Extra!

This is our last recipe of the year - we cannot wait to see you Thursday! Today we ask, why not add a nutritious twist (pumpkin) to your classic mashed potatoes?



Ingredients
  1. 1 15-oz can pumpkin puree
  2. 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  3. 2 tsp fresh thyme
  4. 8 Yukon gold potatoes, diced
  5. 3/4 cup milk
  6. 4 Tbsp butter
  7. 1 tsp salt
  8. 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  9. 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, garlic and thyme.
  2. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and reserve 1 cup of cooking water. Return potatoes to the pot.
  3. Mash the potatoes until smooth and then stir the butter in. Add the milk and continue mashing, then add 1/2 cup of cooking water at a time until smooth. Season with salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
  4. Place the potatoes in a serving dish, and add the pumpkin mixture and fold in, creating swirls.
  5. Garnish with extra thyme.


Source

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Race Day Parking

Arnold: Complimentary at the Greater Annapolis Family Center Y and within the Anne Arundel Community College campus, but NOT on the race course.

Baltimore: In and around Druid Hill Park. Additional parking available in the Wyman Preschool Lot (200 Wyman Park Drive, Baltimore, MD 21211)


Bel Air: Courtland Street Garage, Harford Mutual and anywhere else in town that is NOT on the race course.

Ellicott City: Long Gate Shopping Center and the Dancel Family Center Y lot

Towson:  Baltimore County Parking Garage, 110 West Susquehanna Avenue, Towson, Maryland, 21204.

WestminsterCarroll County Community College, 1601 Washington Rd, Westminster, MD 21157.

Please drive safely! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Packet Pick Up Details!

In order to get your 2015 Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K t-shirt and race bib we ask that you attend packet pick-up. We recommend you attend a pick-up on Tuesday or Wednesday and not wait until the day of. Waiting until the day of could mean long lines! Please visit a location corresponding with your 5K location.

You only need your first and last name to pick up your packet.

Arnold:
Baltimore City:
Bel Air:
Ellicott City:
Towson:
Westminster:

You may pick up packets for your friends and family, just make sure you have their first and last name.

How Do I Email My Teammates?

You registered as a team and you can communicate as a team through our online platform! Here is how.



Thursday, November 12, 2015

Recipe: Egg Muffins

Instead of reaching for a breakfast bar or shake in the morning, we recommend making these ahead of time and then grabbing one (or two) to go. Also makes a great snack.

Customizable Egg Muffins
Makes 12 egg muffins

Ingredients
  • 12 eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup chopped cooked breakfast meat (bacon, sausage, ham, etc.)
  • 1/2 cup diced vegetables (use a few different vegetables)
  • 1 handful fresh finely chopped greens (spinach, kale, collard greens, etc.)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
  2. Grease a muffin pan with coconut oil or butter or spray with cooking spray.
  3. Crack eggs into large bowl and whisk with salt and pepper.
  4. Add cheese (if desired) and stir.
  5. Divide breakfast meat, diced vegetables and chopped greens between 12 muffin cups.
  6. Pour egg mixture over the veggies and meat, filling cups about 3/4 of the way.
  7. Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
  8. Allow muffins to rest before using a knife to slice around the outside of the muffins and carefully removing them from the muffin tin.
  9. Enjoy!

Not Running? #Volunteer


Not running Thanksgiving morning? Join us as a volunteer. To sign up please email the location you are interested in. Thank you for your support. Volunteers make this event possible!


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Tips for Running in Cold Weather

It is currently COLD in Central Maryland. If you are familiar with this time of year in Maryland, you know we experience sudden shifts in temperature and humidity. We thought today would be a great day to share some cold weather running resources because nothing beats running outside.

Stay safe and warm! Just think, in a few days it will be 50 degrees again.


Fundraising: There's Still Time

Are you just joining us as a runner and fundraiser? Give others something to celebrate this Thanksgiving by raising funds to help change the lives of children in Central Maryland. It is easier than you may think!

Your fundraising page was created when you registered for the event. Log into your fundraising account by going here. In the upper-right-hand corner hover over the picture and click on "My Profile". Then click "Manage" next to your fundraising page.

Now you can edit you page! Update the title, add a picture, or email to friends and family right from this page.

Once your page is in tip-top shape, here is how you can start collecting donations.
Need help with your fundraising? Ask us in the comments' section or on Facebook.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Where Should You Be Running - Inside or on the Treadmill?

Three weeks from now we will be lacing up our favorite running shoes, donning our festive running apparel and hitting the pavement for the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K! This means we still have plenty of time to prepare for the event - the question is where should you train?

You most likely have four options: run inside on a treadmill, run inside on a track, run outside on a track or run outside in a neighborhood/park.

When training for the Turkey Trot we recommend you train predominately outside. Training outside will let your body, mainly your lungs, adapt to running in a colder temperature. If you start now, by time it gets to late November, cold air will be less likely to burn your lungs. Training outside (not on a track) also allows your body to get use to keeping its own pace; A treadmill will force you to hold a steady pace, where without it, you have to keep those legs moving. Another benefit for training outside is allowing your joints and feet to adjust to different terrains; treadmills provide a lot of cushion and shock absorption, which is beneficial, but if you suddenly switch to pavement, it may be uncomfortable.

Now there will be days when it is too dark, too rainy, or too cold to be outside and then is a good time to come inside. Hopefully you have a Y in Central Maryland membership, which will give you access to some fantastic treadmills. Put your favorite show on the tv right there on your treadmill and before you know it, you will have completed your work out. There are a lot of reasons people prefer running on a treadmill - you can easily track you time/pace/mileage, there is built-in entertainment, you may challenge yourself more by increasing the incline or your speed, you are not dealing with cars or uncertain roadways and much more.

Mix it up! Run half the time inside and half the time on a treadmill. Just remember to be nice to your body and be safe out there!

Monday, November 9, 2015

Friends-Asking-Friends Friday WINNER

Congratulations to last week's Friends-Asking-Friends Friday winner: BARB from Ellicott City.

Barb won a Baltimore In A Box prize package for raising over $250 by midnight Friday.

Stay tuned for this week's contest!

Friday, November 6, 2015

CHANGE to Towson Course

Small change for 2015 - you now start and end in the parking lot of the Orokawa Family Center Y! Here is your route for Towson:
  • Start on grounds of Orokawa Family Center Y
  • Turn right on Allegheny Avenue and continue to Highland Avenue
  • Turn right on Highland Avenue and continue to West Chesapeake Avenue
  • Turn right West Chesapeake Avenue and continue to Dixie Drive
  • Turn left on Dixie Drive
  • Dixie Drive will become West Chesapeake Avenue
  • Follow West Chesapeake to Boyce Avenue
  • Turn right onto Charles Street and bear right onto Chestnut Avenue
  • Continue on Chestnut Avenue to Trafalgar Road
  • Turn right on Trafalgar Road and continue to Piccadilly Road
  • Turn right on Piccadilly Road and continue to Eton Road
  • Turn left on Eaton Road and continue to Allegheny Avenue
  • Follow Allegheny Avenue to Highland Avenue
  • Turn right on Highland Avenue and continue to West Chesapeake
  • Turn right on West Chesapeake and continue into the Orokawa Family Center Y grounds
Happy running!

Recipe: Caramel Apple Spread

Everyone likes dessert and we hope you enjoy this one (in moderation). It's easy to make, only takes four ingredients and is a nice fall treat.

Recipe and picture from shewearsmanyhats.com

Ingredients:
  1. block of cream cheese (regular or low-fat)
  2. caramel sauce (home made or store bought)
  3. apples, sliced really thin
  4. toffee bits (chopped up Heath Bars work too)
Directions:
  • Place block of cream cheese on serving plate
  • Sprinkle toffee bits over cream cheese
  • Drizzle as much caramel as you wish over toffee-sprinkled bar
Serve with sliced apples!

Friends-Asking-Friends FRIDAY

WIN this awesome Baltimore in a Box prize package!


It is chock-full of #MadeinBaltimore items: Charm City Run water bottle, UTZ sleep mask, Herr;s Old Bay Chips, Fisher's Popcorn, Old Bay, "Home is Where the Old Bay is" print, Zeke's coffee, decals and MORE.


To qualify you must increase your fundraising total up to $250 on your individual fundraising page by Midnight tonight EST. Those who qualify will be entered into a random drawing for this prize package, which is great for you or to give as a gift.

Winners will be notified Monday evening.


Happy Fundraising!

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Fundraising: Where do I Start?

Three weeks from now we will be celebrating together Thanksgiving morning as we all not only reach our physical goal of completing a 5K, but an altruistic one of meeting our fundraising goal.

Runners and walkers of the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K are encouraged to raise $100 to help more children in Central Maryland. Asking 10 friends for $10 can change the life of a child, how easy is that?

To read more about the cause please see this page.


There are two options for starting your fundraising page:

  1. Register to walk or run here. When you receive your confirmation email there will be a "Complete Your Registration" button at the bottom, click that to set up your page!
  2. If you prefer not to run or walk Thanksgiving morning you can still help put more "thanks" and "giving" into Thanksgiving by becoming a fundraiser. Go here and click either "Register as an Individual", "Create a Team" or "Join a Team" and then select "Fundraiser". (There is no fee). When you receive your confirmation email, click on the "Complete Your Registration" button at the bottom.
Once your page is set up you can:
Go ahead and try it. Ask ten people for $10 and see how easy it is to help.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Early Sunset - Not an Excuse!

The sun has set at 5:03pm, but do not allow the setting sun to stifle your motivation to move! It has yet to snow in Central Maryland, so there is till time to train outside for the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K. Here are some top tips for training safely outside in the dark.



  1. Bright clothing! Who cares if you match? Throw on the brightest clothing you own.
  2. Reflect. Don't have clothing with built in reflection? Add some with reflective tape or a $4 vest.
  3. Run in well-lit areas or well-populated areas. Exploring new routes in the dark is a no-no, along with running in desolate areas. Stick to a well-beaten path.
  4. Run against traffic. Stay off the road or at the very least, on the shoulder, running toward traffic. You want to be able to see what is coming at you.
  5. Carry your own light. Whether is be a flashlight in your hand or a head lamp, it not only helps your sight, it helps others see you.
  6. Tell people where you are running. If no one is home when you leave, leave a note or a text. If you live alone, let someone else know.
  7. Easy on the tunes. Since your sight will be impaired, you want your ears to be open and receptive.
  8. Dress warmly. The setting sun will also means dropping temps.
Have fun and be safe!

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Try the Y for 30 Days!

Not a Y Member, yet? Good news! Your registration for the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K automatically kicks-off your complimentary Y membership - good for up to 30 days until December 31, 2015! Stop by any Y Center to activate your 30-day free Y membership today and start training for the race.

Friday, October 30, 2015

Halloween Workout

We hope to see you at one of our centers this weekend, but if not, here is a workout you can do at home with the entire family!




Fundraising: Four Weeks Remain

How's your fundraising going? Have you asked ten friends for $10 each? We ask that every Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K participant aim to raise $100 each to help Give Every Child a Chance. How great would you feel waking up Thanksgiving morning knowing you had taken one more step to help children in Central Maryland?


Some of you are already experts at this and have raised more than $500 each.

What's they key? Asking. People will not give if you do not ask! Most people are scared of asking, but take a deep breathe and just ask your uncle, boss, best friend. It is like jumping into a pool, you want to do it, but you are hesitant and then you jump and wonder why you hesitated in the first place.

Nothing feels better than asking for donation for a worthy cause and then seeing your ask fulfilled.

Tips!
  • We have great online tools, but follow up with a personal email, phone call, etc.
  • Personal asks make ALL the difference.
  • Thank your donor publicly (if they appreciate that sort of thing)
  • Ask your insurance provider, your dentist, your hair stylist
  • Start big "I really appreciate you agreeing to make a donation. $250 sends a child to preschool for a week, but any amount helps!". You are not asking for $250, but you are giving a point of reference.
  • Do not be discouraged if people do not respond right away. Give it a week and follow up. People get busy.
  • The worst thing that can happen is someone says "no" and the word "no" is better than "what if?"
Not sure how to start, start here.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Recipe: Baked Apple Oatmeal

Nothing says "Autumn" like a house filled with the smell of baked apples. Apples are now in season, so their prices have reduced a bit, which makes this an affordable and delicious breakfast (or snack) idea.

Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 egg, beat
  • 1 mashed banana
  • 1.5 cups milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3-4 small apples, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  2. Combine dry ingredients (1-4) in bowl
  3. Mash banana in a separate bowl and add your wet ingredients (5-9)
  4. Mix wet ingredients into dry and mix well
  5. Grease a small baking dish and pour oat mixture in
  6. Top with apples and walnuts
  7. Bake for 30 minutes. Check to make sure center is set
  8. Allow to cool for 10 minutes and serve!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Same 'Ole Song

Music is a huge motivator for many runners. Some prefer the sound of their footsteps, others the words of a podcast, but today's post is for music lovers.

Looking to add some variety to your playlist? Here are some recommendations for new music!

What songs are on your training playlists?

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Running with Dogs & Strollers

We live in world of multitasking so it is no surprise that many runners have to run while pushing a stroller and/or holding onto a leash! Since strollers and dogs are welcome at our Y Turkey Trot Charity 5ks we thought we would give you some tips on how to best conquer this challenge.

Running with a Stroller

  1. Start with the correct equipment. It is not safe for you or a child to be running with an umbrella stroller or a travel system stroller. Walking, yes, running no. For running, you will want to invest in a jogging stroller, which provides shock absorption. If you are not going to make running a habit, a full-size stroller can be used for something like a family 5k.
  2. Read your stroller's safety information. Babies should be at least six months old before you take them for a run due to the inability to hold their head up, but please check with a doctor before proceeding.
  3. Have realistic expectations. Set out knowing that it will be challenging to run with a stroller. It will be more difficult to run without swinging your arms and pushing weight up a hill. 
  4. Know your route. We recommend starting somewhere you know and away from high traffic areas.
  5. Use the wrist strap. You do not want the stroller running away from you.
  6. If running in a group, like a 5k, start in the back.
  7. Get out there and do it! There is no time like the present, however far you go today is a success.
Running with a Dog

  1. Get real. Is your dog healthy enough to run with you? Are they well-trained enough? If not, start with short distances.
  2. Get the wiggles out. Play tug, rough house, take a quick walk around the block so that you can start with a calm dog.
  3. Pick a side. What side will you want your dog to stay on? Do not let them weave in front or behind you.
  4. Do not wrap the leash around your wrist. If your dog jerks, you do not want to be pulled over, so hold the leash in your hand.
  5. Warm up. Just like any other run/jog, warm up first.
  6. Train your dog like you would a friend. Is your pup falling behind? Give him some encouragement. Pup panting hard or foaming at the mouth? Let up and walk a bit. Motivate one another.
  7. Take dog bags. You may be running, but you are still responsible for picking up after your pet.
  8. Check their paws. When you are finished check their paws for any raw spots.
  9. Hydrate. Both you and your furry running partner should be sure to drink plenty of water after your run and even a little during.
  10. Have fun!
Image from: http://www.exceptionalcanine.com/

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Fundraising: Where Do You Shop?

By fundraising for the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5k you are benefiting the Y's Give Every Child a Chance campaign, which works to improve the lives of children living in poverty through education and compassion.

Over the last couple of weeks we have learned how to share our fundraising pages and then follow up.

This week we are opting to give our social networks a rest and focus on businesses. Here are some step-by-step ideas for how to help the cause.

  1. Make a list of 15 businesses you interact with that you want to ask. For example, do you see a chiropractor or maybe a hair stylist? What about your bank?
  2. Find their mailing addresses.
  3. Using this letter, customize the letter and either mail it or copy it into an email and send to these businesses.
  4. Set a reminder on your calendar (or phone) to follow up with a phone call next week.
Many businesses, even those as large as Target and Lowe's, set aside budget to donate to community members based on requests, so make sure you get your piece of the pie!

We thank you for all you are doing to help change the life of a young child.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Recipe: Simple Roasted Veggies

Make a couple batches of these this weekend and reheat all week long. With so many different flavors, textures and colors, it won't bore your taste buds.

Ingredients:

  • Any root veggie you can find.
  • Potatoes of all colors
  • Onions
  • Yams
  • Carrots
  • Butternut squash
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  2. Dice all the veggies and place on a cookie sheet.
  3. Drizzle olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder and toss the veggies.
  4. Place in preheated oven and roast for 45-60 minutes. Be sure to toss the veggies periodically. 

Recipe Source

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Do Your Friends a Favor. . .

Often we are uncomfortable asking our friends and family for donations for a cause we believe in. Well ask because you care about them! Not only is fundraising for the Y's Give Every Child a Chance campaign good for your health and the health of children in our community, it is good for the health of the donor! Read on for the details.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Run Forest! Run!

What keeps you going? What keeps you moving forward? Some of us are training for our first 5k, while some of us are training to improve our personal record. Some have to work to schedule time to walk/run due to busy work schedules, children, volunteering, illness, etc. But guess what? Every single one of us is staying motivated and getting out there. Here are some of our favorite resources for motivation!

  1. Remember why you signed up! Are you running for fun? To prove to yourself you can? To do something good for your community? To serve as a great role model for your kids, friends, family?
  2. Wake Up Happy
  3. Dedicate five minutes and YouTube "Running Motivation". Watching others overcome their struggles is great motivation.
  4. Read about running. Love for running is contagious - catch it!
Whatever your motivation - don't forget it. We are eight weeks out and you CAN and you WILL succeed.


Friday, October 2, 2015

Recipe: Smoky Grilled Chicken Pita Flatbreads with Creamy Feta

Take some time this weekend to make a meal with your family. Involve the kids and turn the pita making into a science experiment. Have you ever watched bread rise? Pretty exciting!

Serves about 4Prep Time: 2-24 hours (marinating time)

Total Time: 1.5 hours


Ingredients

chicken

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 lemons, zest freshly grated and juiced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
  • fresh basil and oregano for topping
  • extra feta crumbles for topping

creamy herbed feta spread
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 8 ounces feta, crumbled
  • 4 roasted garlic cloves
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

whole wheat pita
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for your workspace/kneading
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • canola oil for brushing

Directions:

chicken
  • Add the chicken to a large baking dish or resealable plastic bag. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, vinegar, dill, salt, pepper, paprika and cumin. Pour it over the chicken and toss it to coat. Place the dish or bag in the refrigerator and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • When ready to eat, remove the chicken from the fridge. Heat your grill on the highest setting (I believe ours goes to 750 or 800 degrees F) and grill the chicken until brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and let cool slightly before shredding.
  • To serve, slather a pita (open-faced) with the feta spread. Top it with the chicken (preferably still warm) and cover in a bunch of herbs, tomatoes and extra feta on top. Devour.

creamy herbed feta spread

  • Place the yogurt in a large bowl and add the feta. Crumble it up with a spoon and stir. Add in the garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt and pepper and mix until combined and creamy, breaking down the feta crumbled as you go. I like the make this ahead of time so the flavors really come together.
  • [As a note, I roast the garlic cloves ahead of time or try to have some on hand. To roast a few cloves, peel them then place in a packet of aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the foil up and roast at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.]

whole wheat pita

  • Combine the water, yeast and honey in a bowl, stirring once to mix. Let it sit until foamy, about 10 minutes, then stir in the flour and salt. Stir until the dough comes together then use your hands to further bring it together - if it is super sticky, add a bit more flour (I usually add extra all-purpose when needed). Place the dough on a floured surface and knead it with your hands for above 5 minutes. I have kneaded it for a shorter amount of time and it's been fine. Rub oil along the inside of a bowl and place the dough inside, then cover it and set it in a warm place so it can rise. Let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Place the dough back on the floured surface and knead a few times. If it's still sticky, add a few sprinkles of flour with your hands and knead until it's silky smooth. Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece out as thinly as you can - we are talking super THIN.
  • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brush with a bit of canola (or another higher heat) oil. Place the thin dough round on the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, just until it starts to bubble. Flip it over and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, it should get puffy and have a few golden spots. Flip over and cook for another minute. Set aside and repeat.