Gasparilla Distance Classic - 2018

PLAN. TRAIN. RACE. CELEBRATE. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE TAMPA BAY TIMES

Today, I plan on powering through this race like a fleet of pirate ships roaring across the bay.

I’ve worked hard for this goal, getting stronger every time I train, and this is the payoff.

The finish line is in sight, and I’m ready. Let’s go.

When it comes to planning your active lifestyle, we have you covered at publix.com/RunGasparilla.

Get training tips and recipes on our site, then get out there and do your best on race day to support charitable youth organizations and running programs in the Tampa Bay area.

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Sunday, December 3, 2017

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Tampa Bay Times

RUN, TAMPA BAY RUN WHAT

Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic

WHEN

Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25

BY TOM WUCKOVICH TIMES CORRESPONDENT

WHERE

Downtown Tampa

It’s time to hit

the ground running

Millions of people like to run. They run for fun, for health, for money, for charity…any number of reasons.

Many others scratch their heads and wonder, “What’s the allure?”

There’s really only one way to find out — try it — you might really like it. Why not set your sights on one of the most notable running events in the country? It’s the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic that will be staged February 24-25, 2018, right here in beautiful downtown Tampa along the picturesque shores of Tampa Bay and renowned Bayshore Boulevard. You have plenty of time to prepare, and there’s a good chance you know someone who’s already registered for the Classic, since more than 30,000 participate in one form or another, from kids to grownups.

We’ll do our best in this special section to prepare you for the road ahead (pardon the pun). Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a first-timer, there’s always something to learn to make the experience more worthwhile and achieve the goals you set. And because of the variety of races available, you can choose the one that seems right for you, your family or friends.

The Jr. Classic is for kids ages 2-10, while adults and kids can enter the Half Marathon, 5K, 8K or 15K. Walking also is an option for each of the races. You won’t just be doing it for yourself, but for the charitable organizations that benefit greatly from the money raised through the registration fees, sponsor dollars and money generated from expo booth sales.

And speaking of benefits, 8 On Your Side will be back to sponsor its comprehensive Health & Fitness Expo that will be held February 23-24 at the Tampa Convention Center’s East Hall.

The Expo is free to runners and the public, and features a host of special exhibits and equipment from specialty vendors, along with health and fitness experts to help you make choices that will lead to a healthier lifestyle.

This could be the weekend that changes your life …for the better.

RACE WEEKEND EVENTS

Saturday, Feb. 17 Jr. Classic for kids 2 to 10 years old Saturday, Feb. 24 15K, 5K Run, 5K Walk & Stroller Roll Sunday, Feb. 25 Half Marathon & 8K

WHY

To raise funds for local youth and running organizations

GET READY!

Register online at tampabayrun.com or call 813-254-7866

Run like you stole something.

Tampa Bay Times

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Sunday, December 3, 2017

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So you’ve decided to run;

BY STEPHANIE HAYES TIMES STAFF

now what?

The impulse for many new runners is to go all out, but pushing yourself too hard can quickly lead to burnout. Pacing yourself and finding the right training program is the key to having sustainable success as a runner.

We talked to Debbie Voiles, a certified running coach and founder of Run Tampa, who at age 63 runs between 25 and 40 miles per week. She also hosts the Mojo for Running and Beginner Runner Village Podcast.

Know your limits.

Apps such as Couch to 5K can be helpful, but it’s important to take your own physical ability and health level into account, Voiles said. “Think about the difference between someone who ran track in high school, maintained his weight through his 20s and has been playing soccer twice a week, and someone who has never been an athlete, is 20 pounds overweight, and is 45 years old. Yet, I often see both those people trying to get started using the same schedules.

For that second person, that’s like a kindergartener trying to learn to read with a Shakespeare novel.” Take into account your injuries, prior fitness experience and weight, she said.

Even if you’re in good shape, chances are some part of you is not as ready as the rest.

“Your body is your team, and every player has to be ready,” she said. “The team is the respiratory system, cardio, ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles.”

Take rest days.

Rest days might be more important than running days, Voiles said. She suggests posting your running schedule on the refrigerator and marking a big red X over every day you train.

That includes the rest days. You don’t get the X if it’s your rest day and you go out and exercise.

Get outside.

There’s nothing wrong with training on a treadmill, Voiles said.

“Treadmills have their place,” she said. “They make it possible for many people to train in the evening when it wouldn’t be safe to run outside, and they provide a valuable option during inclement weather.”

But if you’re training for a race, get outside on the type of terrain you’ll be running on that day. It’ll prepare you for challenges and bumps in the road – literally – that you might not anticipate on race day.

8 mistakes new runners make.

1. Doing too much too soon. They see experienced runners doing many miles and assume they can build mileage too quickly.

2. Worrying about speed before they’re ready. Beginning runners should work on form and cadence and forget about speed.

3. Getting overly enthusiastic and skipping rest days, or tacking on an extra mile here and here.

4. Believing they should run through pain.

5. Not listening to their bodies. Pain is your body yelling at you.

6. Failing to do exercises to strengthen the muscles that take stress off their joints.

7. Running in old shoes or shoes that aren’t appropriate for them.

8. Not using a foam roller and massage stick.

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Sunday, December 3, 2017

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Tampa Bay Times

Get ready for race day with items that fuel—and reward—your active lifestyle as you train for the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic, February 24 & 25, 2018.

Visit publix.com/RunGasparilla for more information and online registration.

Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Bars

Kashi Cereal

10.4-oz box

10.3 to 16.3-oz box or Kashi Bars, 6.15 to 7.4-oz box

2/5.00

Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats Cereal

2/5.00

3/10.00

Zephyrhills Spring Water

BUY 1GET 1FREE

15 to 18-oz box

Sport Bottles, 6-pk. 23.7-oz bot.

Bard Valley Medjool Dates

12-Pack Michelob Beer

Pitted, 12-oz pkg.

12-oz can or bot.

4.99

12.49

Prices effective Thursday, November 30 through Wednesday, December 6, 2017. Only in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Highlands, Hernando, Citrus, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Lake, Sumter, and Polk counties. Including Publix at Stoneybrook Hills Village in Mount Dora.

Any item carried by Publix GreenWise Market will be at the Publix advertised sale price. Quantity limits per household apply.

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Sunday, December 3, 2017

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Wednesday 19

WARM UP, then alternate MODERATELY - jog 3-5 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 2x

WARM UP, then alternate MODERATELY - jog 3-5 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 2x

REST & STRETCH

January 1, 2018 REST & STRETCH

2 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 15 min. or 1-mile

3 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 15 min. or 1-mile

WARM UP, then alternate LIGHTLY - jog 1-2 min.

- walk 1 min.

- repeat 3x

WEEK #4

WEEK #3

25

8 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 15 min. or 1-mile

WEEK #5

WARM UP, then alternate HARD - jog 8-10 min.

- walk 3 min.

- repeat 3x

WEEK #6

23

29 WEEK #7

5 WEEK #8

REST & STRETCH

30

6 WARM UP, then IW: - 5x12 sec. SPRINT - 30 sec. walk - repeat 5x - end with 20 min. HARD Jog

WARM UP, then Alternate HARD - jog 15 min.

- walk 3 min.

- repeat 3x

WEEK #9 RACE WEEK

8 On Your Side Health & Fitness Expo February 23, 2018 – 10:00am – 8:00pm February 24, 2018 – 6:00am – 5:00pm

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Sunday, December 3, 2017

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Tampa Bay Times

REST & STRETCH

19

26 WARM UP, then IW: - 10 sec. SPRINT - 30 sec. walk - repeat 4x - end with 10 min. HARD Jog

20

21 WARM UP, then LIGHT - powerwalk 10 min.

27

4

3 WARM UP, then Alternate HARD - jog 15 min.

- walk 3 min.

- repeat 3x

REST & STRETCH

10

16

11 REST & STRETCH

17 WARM UP, then HARD - jog 45 min. or 3-3.5 miles

23

28 REST & STRETCH

WARM UP, then HARD - jog 35 min. or 2-2.5 miles

REST & STRETCH

22 WARM UP, then HARD - jog 20 min.

14 WARM UP, then LIGHT - powerwalk 10 min.

WARM UP, Alternate HARD - jog 12 min.

- walk 3 min.

- repeat 3x

9

15

7 REST & STRETCH

13

REST & STRETCH

WARM UP, then HARD - jog 30 min. or 2-2.5 miles

WARM UP, then HARD - jog 40 min. or 3 miles

21 REST & STRETCH

12 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 20 min. or 1.5-mile

WARM UP, then alternate HARD - jog 8-10 min.

- walk 5 min.

- repeat 4x

31 REST & STRETCH

6 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 15 min. or 1-mile

8

14

30

REST & STRETCH

2 WARM UP, then IW: - 5x10 sec. SPRINT - 30 sec. walk in - repeat 5x - end with 15 min. HARD Jog

REST & STRETCH

REST & STRETCH

20 WARM UP, then HARD - jog 30 min. or 2-2.5 miles

February 1, 2018 REST & STRETCH

7

13

19

25 WARM UP, then HARD - jog 25 min. or 1.5-2 miles

31 WARM UP, then LIGHT - powerwalk 10 min.

WARM UP, then HARD - jog 40 min. or 3 miles

18 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 20 min. or 1.5-2 miles

24

WARM UP, then HARD - jog 30 min. or 2-2.5 miles

12 WARM UP, then HARD - jog 35 min. or 2.5-3 miles

11

24 REST & STRETCH

WARM UP, then alternate MODERATELY - jog 4-5 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 2x 5

4

REST & STRETCH

REST & STRETCH

29 WARM UP, then alternate MODERATELY - jog 4-5 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 2x

WARM UP, then LIGHT - powerwalk 10 min.

Sunday 23

WARM UP, then alternate LIGHTLY - jog 1-2 min.

- walk 1 min.

- repeat 4x

28

10

17

Saturday 22

REST & STRETCH

WARM UP, then alternate MODERATELY - jog 3-5 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 2x

REST & STRETCH

WARM UP, then HARD - jog 20 min. or 1.5-2 miles

REST & STRETCH

WARM UP, then alternate LIGHTLY - jog 1-2 min.

- walk 1 min.

- repeat 4x

REST & STRETCH

16

Friday 21

27

9 WARM UP, then alternate HARD - jog 5-8 min.

- walk 3 min.

- repeat 3x

22

WARM UP, then HARD - jog 45 min. or 3-3.5 miles

REST & STRETCH

WARM UP, then alternate HARD - jog 8-10 min.

- walk 3 min.

- repeat 3x

WARM UP, then HARD - jog 20 min. or 1.5-2 miles

20

26

15

6

Thursday

WEEK #1

Tuesday

WEEK #2

Monday December 18, 2017 WARM UP, then alternate LIGHTLY - jog 1-2 min.

- walk 1 min.

- repeat 3x

18 REST & STRETCH

24

25

REST & STRETCH

Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 5K Saturday, February 24, 2018 Wave #1 (30 min. & Under) – 9:15am Wave #2 (31 min. – 35 min.) – 9:25am Wave #3 (36 min. – 40 min.) – 9:35am Wave #4 (41 min. – 45 min.) – 9:45am Wave #5 (46 min. – 50 min.) – 9:55am Kellogg’s 5K Stroller Roll – 10:05am Kashi 5K Walk (51 min.+) – 10:15am

5K RACE DAY Key Words WARM UP – 5-10 minutes of light walking/jogging RACE PACE – Goal minute per mile pace on Race Day LIGHTLY – Below race pace MODERATELY – Near race pace HARD – At race pace or better IW – Interval Workout SPRINT – All out, hard running

8K TRAINING 2018 Wednesday 19

Thursday

WEEK #1

Tuesday

WARM UP, then alternate MODERATELY - jog 3-5 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 2x

WARM UP, then alternate MODERATELY - jog 3-5 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 2x

REST & STRETCH

WEEK #2

Monday December 18, 2017 WARM UP, then alternate LIGHTLY - jog 1-2 min.

- walk 1 min.

- repeat 3x

January 1, 2018 REST & STRETCH

2 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 15 min. or 1-1.5 miles

3 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 15 min. or 1-1.5 miles

WARM UP, then alternate LIGHTLY - jog 1-2 min.

- walk 1 min.

- repeat 3x

WEEK #4

WEEK #3

25

8 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 20 min. or 1.5-2 miles

WEEK #5 WEEK #6

27

9 WARM UP, then alternate HARD - jog 5-8 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 3x

17

22 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 30 min. or 2.5-3 miles

23 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 30 min. or 2.5-3 miles

REST & STRETCH

29

30 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 35 min. or 3-3.5 miles

31 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 40 min. or 3.5-4 miles

6 WARM UP, then IW: - 12 sec. SPRINT - 30 sec. walk - repeat 10x - end with 20 min. HARD Jog

WARM UP, Alternate HARD - jog 20 min.

- walk 3 min.

- repeat 3x

WEEK #7

5 WEEK #8

REST & STRETCH

12 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 45 min. or 4-4.5 miles

WARM UP, then HARD - jog 45 min. or 4-4.5 miles

19 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 50 min. or 4.5-5 miles

WARM UP, then HARD - jog 35 min. or 3-3.5 miles

4

24

8 On Your Side Health & Fitness Expo February 23, 2018 – 10:00am – 8:00pm February 24, 2018 – 6:00am – 5:00pm

13 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 25 min. or 2-2.5 miles

REST & STRETCH

19 WARM UP, then alternate HARD - jog 8-10 min.

- walk 3 min.

- repeat 5x

WARM UP, Alternate HARD - jog 15 min.

- walk 3 min.

- repeat 4x

9 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 45 min. or 4-4.5 miles

15

Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 8K Sunday, February 25, 2018 START – 9:15am

28 REST & STRETCH

3

4 REST & STRETCH

10

11

WARM UP, then HARD - jog 35 min. or 3-3.5 miles

REST & STRETCH

17

18

WARM UP, then HARD - jog 50 min. or 4.5-5 miles

23 REST & STRETCH

21 WARM UP, then LIGHT - powerwalk 30 min.

27

16 REST & STRETCH

22 WARM UP, then HARD - jog 25 min.

14

20

2 WARM UP, then IW: - 10 sec. SPRINT - 30 sec. walk - repeat 8x - end with 15 min. HARD Jog

WARM UP, then HARD - jog 50 min. or 4.5-5 miles

7

REST & STRETCH

February 1, 2018 REST & STRETCH

21 REST & STRETCH

REST & STRETCH

WARM UP, Alternate HARD - jog 12 min.

- walk 3 min.

- repeat 4x

8

31 REST & STRETCH

6 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 20 min. or 1.5-2 miles

26 WARM UP, then IW: - 10 sec. SPRINT - 30 sec. walk - repeat 5x - end with 10 min. HARD Jog

14

20

12 REST & STRETCH

REST & STRETCH

REST & STRETCH

30

25 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 35 min. or 3-3.5 miles

7

13

5

11

18 WARM UP, then MODERATELY - jog 30 min. or 2.5-3 miles

24 REST & STRETCH

WARM UP, then alternate MODERATELY - jog 4-5 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 5x

REST & STRETCH

REST & STRETCH

REST & STRETCH

29 WARM UP, then alternate MODERATELY - jog 3-5 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 3x

WARM UP, then LIGHT - powerwalk 20 min.

Sunday 23

WARM UP, then alternate LIGHTLY - jog 1-2 min.

- walk 1 min.

- repeat 5x

28

10

WARM UP, then alternate HARD - jog 8-10 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 3x

Saturday 22

REST & STRETCH

WARM UP, then alternate MODERATELY - jog 3-5 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 3x

WARM UP, then alternate HARD - jog 5-8 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 3x 16

Friday 21

WARM UP, then alternate LIGHTLY - jog 1-2 min.

- walk 1 min.

- repeat 5x

WARM UP, then alternate HARD - jog 8-10 min.

- walk 2 min.

- repeat 3x

REST & STRETCH

WEEK #9

REST & STRETCH

26

15

RACE WEEK

20

REST & STRETCH

24

25

REST & STRETCH

8K RACE DAY Key Words WARM UP – 5-10 minutes of light walking/jogging RACE PACE – Goal minute per mile pace on Race Day LIGHTLY – Below race pace MODERATELY – Near race pace HARD – At race pace or better IW – Interval Workout SPRINT – All out, hard running

Tampa Bay Times

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Sunday, December 3, 2017

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BY STEPHANIE HAYES TIMES STAFF

Eating right can change the game.

“Food is fuel, and it’s important to give your body all of the essential nutrients it needs to perform,” Flores says. “As your training program intensifies, you will need to make smart food choices to not only fuel your activity, but also help your body recover and restore what was lost during your workout.”

Water is vital.

Runners who don’t hydrate properly can experience muscle cramps and weakness, which is not going to help you meet your goals.

Come up with a thought-out hydration plan, Flores says; don’t just chug.

Nutrition,

Don’t confuse caffeine with energy.

A game changer You’ve worked hard training for the big race, so don’t slow yourself down by noshing on cheeseburgers and skimping on water (though cheats in moderation can be OK). Nutrition and diet are essential when in training, said Julio Mario Flores, associate brand manager and a registered dietitian and nutritionist for Natural Delights Medjool Dates, a Gasparilla Distance Classic sponsor.

Caffeine is not the enemy. It can have benefits for coordination, focus and concentration.

But it can also carry risks, Flores says, such as stomach issues, nausea and shaking.

It can also mess with your sleep and training schedule. Choosing quality foods is more important than increasing your energy with caffeine, he says.

Carb loading is about more than pasta.

Carbs are the best source for energy, Flores says. But you can’t just eat a plate of pasta the night before the race and expect great results.

Start days ahead of time and be deliberate.

A normal diet consists of 45 to 65 percent carbs, Flores says. A race diet should be bumped up to 60 to 70 percent carbs, three to five days prior. “Be sure to practice carb

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Tampa Bay Times

loading before a couple of long runs during training and adjust accordingly,” he says.

“Do not try carb loading for the first time the week before a big race.”

Pace yourself on race morning.

If you’re too nervous to eat, consider something easily digested like a smoothie (balanced with carbs, protein and healthy fat) to get your energy. And timing is everything.

Eat a balanced meal 3 to 4 hours before the race, then have some carbs closer to start time.

Flores suggests a meal plan similar to this: 5 a.m. | Wake up 5:30 a.m. | Breakfast • 1 cup oatmeal • 1 tbsp peanut butter • ½ cup berries (any) • 6 oz Greek Yogurt • 8-16 fl oz water 7:30 a.m. | Pre-run fuel • Two dates (33g carbs) 8:00 AM | Race start

Keep it going through the course.

Runners should have 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour, plus adequate hydration, Flores says. Since it’s hard to stop and eat while running, many runners opt for sports drinks or energy gels. Some runners even make their own gels at home.

Don’t pig out after the race.

After long-distance running, it can be tempting to eat everything in sight. But recovery is just as important as preparation, Flores says. He cites the “4 Rs of recovery nutrition” – refuel, repair, rehydrate and reinforce. Smoothies are a good way to reintroduce carbs and protein. Flores recommends drinking 3 cups of fluids for every pound of body weight lost, and reinforcing your muscle cells and immune system with foods rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables.

ChallengeYourself

› USAA Military Challenge

› Michelob Ultra Challenge This challenge is for runners and walkers who want to do it all. The 2018 Michelob Ultra Challenge is a test of endurance that amounts to more than 30 miles over two days. The challenge combines the 15K and the 5K on Saturday and the Half Marathon and the 8K on Sunday.

Registered Challenge participants receive the traditional individual event Runner Premiums: PGDC Virtual Race Bag Gender Specific Shirts PGDC Virtual Finisher’s Certificates Finisher’s Medals • Challenge Jacket PGDC Reusable Goody Bag

Entry fees are $225 through Jan. 12; $245 online only Jan. 13 through Feb. 18.

Ultra Lime Cactus › Michelob Challenge

Entry fees are $125 through Jan. 12; $145 online only Jan. 13 through Feb. 18.

› Michelob Ultra Amber Challenge If 25.5 miles sounds more your speed, opt for the Michelob Ultra Amber Challenge, which combines the 15K and 5K on Saturday and Half Marathon on Sunday.

Entry fees are $195 through Jan. 12; $215 online only Jan. 13 through Feb. 18.

Run to fight breast cancer with the Treasured Chest Challenge, which combines races on both coasts. Start with the DONNA Marathon Weekend in Jacksonville Beach, Feb. 9-11, and finish with the Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon race weekend, Feb. 24-25.

The DONNA Foundation raises funds for breast cancer research and women living with breast cancer. You must register individually for the 2018 Treasured Chest Challenge and 2018 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon.

Photo Credit | David Lubin

Registered Challenge Participants who complete their respective individual Challenge events by participating and crossing ALL of the Finish Lines, will also receive a HUGE Challenge Finisher’s Medal.

I’d rather eat 26.2 pizzas.

›

The Raymond James Corporate and Open Team Challenge

The challenge has four divisions: Men, Women, Mixed and Masters Mixed.

Team and individual awards are presented to the top five Corporate and Open teams in each division.

› USAA Warrior Challenge In 2009, USAA and the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association created the USAA Warrior Challenge Award, an annual honor for the military branch that registers the most participants combined in the 15K, 5K, Half Marathon and/or 8K.

15K Corporate Team/ Open Team – $350

The company with the largest number of employee participants will be recognized in the Tampa Bay Times and will receive the Ferman Automotive ‘Fittest Firm’ Award during the Q105 15K and 5K Post-Race Awards Celebration.

Automotive Chevy Cruzin’ › Ferman Krewe Challenge

Get your friends, family members, work colleagues, church members and more together to walk or run in the 15K, 5K, Half Marathon, 8K or any of the Michelob Ultra Challenges.

Each winning Ferman Chevy Cruzin’ Krewe Challenge team member will get a Ferman Automotive oil change certificate ($29.95 value).

We listen carefully and are here to help you find your ideal bike.

5K Corporate Team / Open Team – $250

8K Corporate Team/ Open Team – $300

Enter your employees as a group and create team building, corporate visibility and improved physical fitness and health, all at the same time.

Citrus Park Cyclery

Entry fees:

Half Marathon Corporate Team/ Open Team – $500

› Ferman Automotive “Fittest Firm’

Break away from the ordinary at

Offering an extraordinary line of bikes, clothing, nutrition and great coffee.

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The 2018 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend will include an individual military competition in the 15K, 5K, Half Marathon and 8K. The challenge is open to active, retired and former military personnel.

In 2017, 2,898 active, retired and former military personnel participated in Race Weekend events. With 1,079 registered participants, the United States Army received the 2017 USAA Warrior Challenge Award. The United States Air Force was second with 749 registered participants.

Consider the Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus Challenge, which combines the 15K on Saturday and the 8K on Sunday.

Treasured Chest Challenge

BY STEPHANIE HAYES TIMES STAFF

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Tampa Bay Times

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Sunday, December 3, 2017

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9

BY TOM WUCKOVICH TIMES CORRESPONDENT

HOLIDAY SALE

From start to finish,

PROUDLY MADE IN AMERICA

charity wins!

Enjoy This Holiday Season with Family and Friends.

If you’re among the 30,000 or so participants in the Publix® Gasparilla Distance Classic, you’re not only running for yourself, but for the many members of charitable organizations who will benefit through the money generated from the popular event.

From the race’s inception back in 1978, the Classic’s main theme was to raise funds for its targeted charities. The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association sends the largest portion of its donations to three heritage charities: the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay,

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Sunday, December 3, 2017

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Tampa Bay Times

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Orange Grove Dr

y Hw Mabr Dale

W. Fletcher Ave.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and Friends of Tampa Recreation. To ensure that these organizations that focus on our youth continue to receive the majority of these monies, the three are written into the association’s bylaws. Additionally, the Cigna Kids Running Program and some 20-30 other local nonprofit organizations, service clubs, school teams and other groups are allotted money annually.

Another avenue of fundraising that runners are a major part of is the Race to Raise Booty program that links racers with participating nonprofits during the registration process.

Contestants can select to raise “booty” for

BeatNB; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Richard’s Run For Life, sponsored by the Gonzmart Family Foundation; and Metropolitan Ministries, added to the roster of charities for 2018.

Donations also can be made to one of the association’s Charity Partners by participants who are registering online.

To date, the Gasparilla Distance Classic has donated about $5.1 million for charities, including a whopping $340,000 last year.

“A lot has changed since 1978,” says Susan Harmeling, Photo Credit | Mercy Nunez executive director of the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association.

“Our primary purpose for existing remains the same as do our continued and consistent runner, sponsor, volunteer, community and City of Tampa support. Producing the annual events is a huge undertaking, and each and every one of these folks are crucial to their continued success.”

So run for yourself, your charity, and your community.

eating healthy Greek Salad - Chicken Pita Pizza | SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS

1 deli rotisserie chicken 1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped 1/2 European cucumber, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini, finely chopped 4 each Italian lite flat-out flatbread Cooking spray 1/2 cup plain (or olive) hummus 4 cups lettuce shreds, divided 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, divided Juice of 1 lemon, divided

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PREP

STEPS

• Preheat oven to 400°F. • Shred chicken (breast only, about 2 cups) • Chop tomato, cucumber (about 1 cup each) and pepperoncini.

1. Coat flatbread on both sides with cooking spray; place on a baking sheet and bake 4–5 minutes or until crispy. Let cool.

2. Microwave chicken in a microwave-safe dish 3–4 minutes or until hot.

3. Spread 2 tablespoons hummus on each flatbread; divide chicken, lettuce, tomato and cucumber between each flatbread and top. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon pepperoncini and feta. Squeeze lemon juice over top of each flatbread. Serve.

Nutritional Information | CALORIES (per 1/4 recipe) 330kcal; FAT 16g; SAT FAT 3.5g; TRANS FAT 0g; CHOL 100mg; SODIUM 650mg;

CARB 25g; FIBER 12g; SUGARS 3g; PROTEIN 31g; VIT A 50%; VIT C 20%; CALC 8%; IRON 20%

Asian Pork Nappa Wraps | SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 1 large carrot, finely chopped 1/2 European cucumber, finely chopped 8 ounces nappa cabbage leaves (8-12 leaves) 1/4 cup unsalted cashews, coarsely chopped (optional) 1/4 cup hoisin sauce 1 teaspoon ginger spice paste 1 teaspoon garlic spice paste 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 lb ground pork (or chicken) PREP 1/2 cup sliced green onions • Peel and cut carrot and cucumber into small cubes.

• Remove leaves from cabbage. Chop nuts.

1 (5-oz) can diced water chestnuts, drained STEPS

1. Combine hoisin, ginger and garlic paste, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Set aside.

2. Preheat large nonstick sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Add pork and carrots; cook and stir 3–4 minutes, stirring to brown and crumble meat.

3. Stir in hoisin mixture and green onions; cook and stir 2–3 minutes more or until carrots are tender and pork has reached 160°F. Remove from heat.

4.

Assemble by dividing meat in cabbage cups; top evenly with cucumber, chestnuts, and cashews.

Roll or fold lettuce around mixture and serve.

Note: Add brown rice to complete meal.

Nutritional Information | CALORIES (per 1/4 recipe) 320kcal; FAT 17g; SAT FAT 6g; TRANS FAT 0g; CHOL 75mg; SODIUM 540mg; CARB 15g; FIBER 3g; SUGARS 8g; PROTEIN 23g; VIT A 120%; VIT C 50%; CALC 6%; IRON 10%

BY JAY CRIDLIN TIMES STAFF

Kids fun run

Photo Credit | Margaret Spears

There’s no special trick to getting kids interested in running. You just have to get them out there doing it.

“The smiles on their faces when they cross that finish line, and we put that finisher’s medal around their neck, priceless.” said Susan Harmeling, director of the Gasparilla Distance Classic, including the Publix Too Good For Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic.

Hundreds of children ages 2 to 10 will run in this year’s Jr. Classic, at distances ranging from 30 yards to 1 mile.

Unlike the big races, this one takes place on an enclosed track area at Jefferson High School, with plenty of family-friendly activities all around. There are craft areas, face painters, balloon twisters and many other family-friendly activities.

The importance of a healthy lifestyle, from nutrition to safe lifestyle choices, is emphasized throughout the event. And it doesn’t stop there. Each year, the Gasparilla Distance Classic’s Cigna Kids Running Program gets hundreds of kids from low-income neighborhoods moving through fitness drills and training. Those who complete the program will work at stations at the half marathon, then run the race’s final two miles as a team.

The Jr. Classic is also a way to introduce the whole family to an active lifestyle. Kids as young as 5 are eligible to run in the Gasparilla Distance Classic.“It’s just getting them out there to participate,” Harmeling said. “Getting them involved in a fun, shorter-distance event that can give them a taste of what it feels like to cross the finish line like the big people do.”

Publix Too Good For Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic – Race day is Feb. 17: Jefferson High School, 4401 W Cypress St., Tampa.

Late registration, goody bag and shirt pick up begin at 8:30 a.m.

Tampa Bay Times

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Sunday, December 3, 2017

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11

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE

2O18

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS

GASPARILLA DISTANCE CLASSIC RACE WEEKEND

72, 84 OR 96” PLUS…2 TABLE & 3 CHAIR STYLES AVAILABLE!

SALE PRICE

URBAN PLAINS BEDROOM Drawer Dresser, Mirror, Complete Queen Bed: Reversible Headboard, Footboard & Wood Rails. Headboard features gray upholstery or wood on the other side. Gray or brown finish.

5-PCS

1188

$

SALE PRICE

TWIN LAKES DINING ROOM 72 x 42 X-Base Table & 4-Upholstered Side Chairs.

Dining bench and server available. Light brown finish.

5-PCS

79999

YOU DID THE WORK. WE’LL HELP WITH THE RECOVERY. Unwind After the Race with Stylish Furniture Designed for Relaxation!

SERVILLO LEATHER POWER PLUS RECLINING LIVING ROOM

Dual Power Plus Reclining Sofa & Stationary Loveseat.

Leather wherever the body touches. Power headrests and footrests with memory. Pull-down table in center cushion.White or platinum.

SALE PRICE

2-PCS

2288

$

Adjustable LED Reading Lights

Lighted Cupholders

Pop-Up Media Strip with Hidden Storage & Smart 2 A/C Adapters Touch Reclining Controls with Memory Button & USB Port 542946-1

NEXT DAY DELIVERY available at select ROOMS TO GO KIDS stores. NEXT DAY DELIVERY not available at Rooms To Go Outlet Centers. Purchase must be made before 2pm. Limited availability on peak days.

Applies to in-stock merchandise only. Some merchandise is not on display at all stores. See store for details. DELIVERY CHARGE ADDITIONAL. REGIONAL PICKUP AVAILABLE. Not responsible for typographical errors.

TO LOCATE A STORE NEAR YOU,VISIT US ONLINE AT ROOMSTOGO.COM OR ROOMSTOGOKIDS.COM

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