Did you watch the Olympic Trials Saturday? Rob and I did. As exciting as it was, I was also a bit sad some of my favorites (like Des) didn’t make the team.
I am of course thrilled for thrilled for the runners who placed in the top three and are going to represent USA in Tokyo this Summer. But I am also so heartbroken for those that were favored and expected to go but didn’t make it. Obviously it wasn’t their day! AND OMG….Molly Seidel placed second and she’s never run a marathon before. She is the first U.S. woman to make the Olympic team in her debut marathon. I was so surprised and in her interview she kept saying the same thing. So happy for her!
And on the men’s side. I teared up with I saw Abdi finish. After all, he’s 43 years old and is headed to the Olympics again, but this time as the oldest marathoner ever to run in the Olympics. NEVER TOO OLD!
Speaking of age. About a week ago I received a very unexpected email asking me if would be interested in being an Ambassador for AndersonRaceManagement.
Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever expected this, espeically now. This year I will be turning 58. Why does 58 sound so much older than 57?!
None the less, of course I said I would be honored. I have run in many of their races and have had great experiences in all of them. My first Securian half was a few years ago and it was a COLD ONE! However, we were all able to keep warm in the building right up till we lined up to run. A huge win if you ask me!
Since then I also ran in their 10K and 5K. And yes, cold again but it’s unlike it won’t be since it’s January in Minnesota?!
Last November I ran in their Chocoholic 10K and I had a lot of fun. It was a cool day, but once again, we all stayed warm up until the start. And the treats at the finish were amazing!
My last marathon in Scotland was quite the opposite. We stood in an open field for over 2 hours in cold, wind, and rain. I kind of wanted to cry. I would love to run LOCHNESS again but I really hope when I do, we have better weather. The course is lovely!
But I have great news for you! If you don’t have plans and want to run in an Irish Themed Race, check out Anderson Lakes Upcoming event. I have a feeling this is going to be an awesome day to race. Themed races are a lot of fun and the swag is pretty cool too!
Now let’s talk what is on your menu for St. Patrick’s Day. I have a “creamy”, delicious, and of course healthy Broccoli Soup that is not only perfect for any day of the week, but in my opinion, appropriate for your St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
It’s green after all! Ok, it’s not the traditional St. Patricks Day Corn Beef or Colcannon, or whatever else you deem obligatory to eat to give you good luck, but when do I follow any rules, especially when it comes to food. It is healthy. It is delicious, and believe it or not, it is dairy free in case that is an issue for you.
Truth is, you don’t have to give up comforting soups just because you choose to eliminate dairy on occasion. In this soup I use a sweet potato and coconut milk instead of making a roux made with white flour. This not only thickens the soup, but it also helps make it velvety-smooth if you choose to blend it more. I prefer my soups chunky and I reserved some roasted broccoli for garnish.
Are you ready to make some soup??
CREAMY BROCCOLI SOUP
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 tablespoon ghee or olive oil
- 2 cups chopped leeks, white and tender green parts
- 1 small yellow onion
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets, stems peeled and chopped, and roasted
- 1 small cooked sweet potato, white fleshed cut into cubes
- 1 stalk celery
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 cups bone broth
- 1 can coconut milk
- Fine sea salt and freshly grated black pepper
- Olive oil for drizzle
DIRECTIONS:
- Melt the ghee in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the leeks and onion and saute for 3 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Meanwhile roast your broccoli about 30 minutes at 350 degrees F.
- Add the broccoli, sweet potato, celery, and garlic and continue to cook for a few more minutes.
- Pour in the bone broth, add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 pepper., and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, or working in batches in your blender, blend until desired consistency.
- If using blender, return soup to pot, season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to reserve some roasted broccoli and drizzle with olive oil.
- ENJOY!
Were you surprised at the finish of the Olympic Trials if you watched it?
Have you run a St. Patricks Day themed race?
What is your typical meal if you have one on St. Patricks Day?
When is your next race?
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