PHYSICAL ACTIVITY with a PURPOSE: HOLLAND HUNDRED - Team Zambia

I've been learning a whole lot lately about bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth - and I believe God's on the move in our world to bring restoration and healing. I have the honor of being part of two organizations who've combined forces to bring that concept into reality. My church, en gedi, has partnered with the Macatawa Cycling Club's Holland Hundred event this year to raise money for clean water wells in Zambia, Africa.

For every $3,500 raised, we can dig a well that will service up to 2,000 individuals.

DID YOU KNOW...

* Life expectancy in Zambia, Africa has decreased from age 45 in 1996 to just over 30 today.

* One in four individuals in Zambia is HIV+

* Zambia has the highest number of orphans in the world with over half a million country-wide (more than double the population of Grand Rapids).

* Only 28% of people in Zambia have access to clean water.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Ride for Team Zambia in the 34th annual Holland Hundred Bicycle Tour, July 19! Anyone from expert to novice cyclists is invited to join others from en gedi church who will ride to increase awareness of the issues facing Zambia as well as raise funds for clean water wells. Riders will receive a free "Thirst" t-shirt and will help raise money for wells through gaining donations for each mile ridden or through flat donations.

BIKING TOUR INFO

* This is not a bike RACE - simply a ride/tour.

* Riders leave between 7 and 10am from the parking lot of Smallenburg Park (near Holland Municipal Stadium) at 379 Fairbanks Ave.

* Scenic highlights include rolling farmlands and orchards, the winery in Fennville, beautiful lakeshores, majestic overlooks and the quaint shops and restaurants of Saugatuck.

* Routes are 18, 36, 67 or 100 miles.

* Rest stops offer a variety of free nutritious snacks and drinks.

* Free pancake breakfast is provided at East Saugatuck rest stop.

* Helmets are required! Extra helmets, bikes and burleys are available - let me know of your need or if you have equipment to share.

INTERESTED?

Contact me today to pick up your Donation Form! I have packets filled with Zambia Clean Water Wells information as well as Appreciation Gifts, including coupons for discounts at a Zeeland diner and an awesome photography package with Steven F. Fox Photography .

As an encouragement to participate, Valeo / Personal Training will cover 1/2 the $25 registration fee when you sign up!

Encourage your family, friends, coworkers to donate $1 per mile (or more or less!) and be a part of opening the doors to new levels of hope - together we can help meet an incredible significant and basic need - clean water.

SUMMERTIME TASTES GOOD.

Salmon with Summer Tomato Salsa

40 Minutes to Prepare and Cook

Ingredients
4 (4 ounce) fillets salmon, skin removed

1 cup chopped fresh tomato

1/2 avocado, chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup cooked corn kernels

1/4 cup minced red onion1

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

salt and pepper, to taste

1 lime, cut in wedges

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. Combine all ingredients (except salmon fillets and lime) in small bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3. Bake salmon for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked thoroughly. (or GRILL!)

4. Serve salmon surrounded by the salsa and lime wedges. Can serve salmon either hot or cool --

Serving cool salmon with salsa is a great summer recipe; just refrigerate until cool.

Makes (4) 4-oz fillets

Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 253.5
Total Fat: 9.9 g
Cholesterol: 75.9 mg
Sodium: 187.9 mg
Total Carbs: 11.2 g
Dietary Fiber: 3.0 g
Protein: 30.6 g

Shared from www.sparkpeople.com

RIDE OF THEIR LIVES - Lake Macatawa Triathlon

The Lake Macatawa Triathlon was another awesome event this year! We had warm temps, not-too-frigid waters and lots of cheering faces the entire morning. I was paired up with Haleigh (this was her 5th time doing the race!) :), Elizabeth was paired up with Paige and Tiff, Mike and Emma were paired with Logan.

The swim was a 1/2 mile in Lake Mac, starting at Dunton Park boat launch. We pulled the kids in an inflatable kayak, spending most of our time keeping the kids entertained and making sure their curiousity of the water didn't make them take an unexpected dip in. :)

After the swim, parents and volunteers moved the kids from the kayak to the Trek trailors, attached behind our bikes. With helmets strapped on, safety belts adjusted and snacks securely in place (Mike's only request was that Logan share his snacks on the ride) ;) we ventured off towards the rolling hills of Lakeshore Drive. Arguably the most grueling part of the race, the 22.8 mile course was a windy but strong and steady ride back to the transistion area to prepare for the run.

The 4.8 mile run took us through the neighborhood surrounding Dunton Park - our favorite parts were not only all the cheering fans encouraging us along the way but also the water hoses they sprayed at us with refreshing agua from Lake Michigan! Felt so good!

One of the neatest parts of the event for me was the end when I was able to take Haleigh out of her trailor and we ran hand-in-hand across the finish line. Elizabeth also was able to take Paige out and carry her across. It was definitely a photo-finish and the girls laughed and shrieked at the excitement surrounding us.

Thanks, Brian Stauffer, for another great event and all the hard work you put into it! We had a blast!

LAKE MACATAWA TRIATHLON - come 'n watch!

I'll be participating in the Lake Mac Triathlon on Saturday (June 7th) at Dunton Park. Brian Stauffer has once again headed up the RIDE OF THEIR LIVES event and we've got 7 people doing the Chariot Division - check out a fun picture video from my race from last year HERE!! :)

I'm bummed I won't be partnering with Kamrie again, but am excited to have another little special-needs girl who I'll be pulling in a kayak during the swim portion (1/2 mile), pulling in a nifty Trek trailor on the bike (22.8 miles) and pushing in the same trailor on the run (4.8 miles). My good friend, Elizabeth, will also be doing the whole race with me - I'm thankful to have her by my side!

Ultimate Fitness and Health is also sponsoring a Relay Team: "Ultimately For The Kids" - made up of my Roomie Tiffany (swim), Boyfriend Mike (bike) and Friend/Coworker Emma (run). They'll be with an adorable and vibrant lil' guy Logan - so fun!

The route begins at the Boat Launch and we'll be biking a turn-around route North --> South on Lakeshore Drive, then running through the neighborhood surrounding Dunton Park - the race begins at 7:30am with the swim in (chilly!) Lake Mac and I assume...ummm...HOPE I'll be finished at least by 10:30am-ish. :)

If you're in the area, feel free to stop by and check it out. I'd love to see you and will probably (ok...desperatly) need the encouragement and cheering faces!

I'm looking forward to a fun and beautiful morning - Look for an update with pictures on my Blog after the race! :)

GROCERY STORE TIPS

Going to the grocery store: It's something you do all the time - but do you ever think about revising your routine? Click on this link for a video from HealthiNation that highlights some important tips to remember when shopping for food - keep this information in mind next time you hit the store and you'll be sure to bring fulfilling, healthy and nutritious food into your fridge, freezer and cupboards.

Afterall, what goes into your home goes into your body - and it starts with what you fill your grocery cart with!

For those of you who consider yourself Meijer-ites, Healthy Living has never been easier! Meijer has done a fabulous job of noting healthy options in the store (olive green "Healthy Living" signs posted on the aisle walls) - and keep your eyes out for the recipe card stands surrounding the produce and meat sections. I've taken a few and have found them delicious and easy to make - great for real-world, healthy dinners. Click on this link to check out their website - extremely informative and helpful - on it you'll find healthy recipes, strategies, featured products and even weekly shopping lists. This is an excellent example of a store who cares about its consumers - and makes good choices obvious in their store.

For more in-depth Nutrition Information or for a Grocery Store Tour, contact me to set up a consult!

Happy Shopping!