I went to the gym to get in strength training and the stairs. I’m not feeling any pain these days, but I know that I will if I don’t keep up with strength and cross-training, so the gym it was, even though running sounded way more fun.
I’m grateful they don’t remember me getting out the same St. Patrick’s Day stuff year after year;). Or maybe they do, and they don’t say anything.
Nobody was going to get pinched at our house…
Thanks to the Melissa & Doug brand for helping me do crafts with my kids as a very non-crafty mom with kids who love crafts.
And so are these protein bowls… Cottage cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, ground beef with taco seasoning, avocados, pineapple, and hot honey is optional.
Now for the tangents of the day:
*Our sporting goods store (ALs) had kids Saucony Kinvaras for $35. Skye is obsessed.
*This was how I found her gear 19 hours before run club practice… SHE EVEN HAD BRACELETS OUT. This little girl has so much passion.
*She also got her racing jersey, which lit her up!
*These two bring a football with them everywhere, and it is an instant friendship tool. The next thing I know, they have random kids they pass with wherever we go. Sports bring so much connection.
*My yoga training has helped me impress my kids.
*I ran by the cactus that Skye fell on a few years ago. These cacti can be jerks.
*Brooke’s dad had this gel with him… 60 grams of carbs in one gel? I’ve got to try this for my trail race this summer.
*JANE HEDENGREN. Another runner I see often out and about on her runs. Her entire family is incredible. I got to tell her congrats yesterday as she was out running.
*While at the stairs on Saturday, we chatted with the two guys ahead on the stairs as they attempted to do these 333 stairs for TWELVE hours. I need to know if they did it. Does anyone know them?
*We will find a Haribo factory to visit in France next week. They are Brooke’s #1.
*I got Andrew this Garmin for his birthday. He raced with it and absolutely loved it. I’ll have him write a review for anyone who is interested.
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Have any tangents today??
Any more Paris tips for us? We are days away!
Any famous runners in your area or from your area?
It’s a spread! It’s a dip! It’s your new go-to savory appetizer or snack, and your new favorite addition to sandwiches, wraps, on crostini, and more.
This creamy herbed goat cheese spread is ready in 5 minutes and wow, it might be my new favorite way to use up fresh herbs I have in the fridge. I created this beautiful spread to pair with a springy appetizer I have coming to the blog this week, but found myself making double batches to dip vegetables and crackers, and even spread on toasty sourdough bread.
Trust me when I say you’ll want to add this to EVERYTHING. It’s flavorful, versatile, and can even be mixed right in one bowl for a quick snack to feed guests this season.
Ingredients in this herbed goat cheese spread
This savory spread essentially uses 6 main ingredients and is the perfect mix of tangy, herby, and salty. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
Goat cheese: the base of this dip/spread is creamy, tangy goat cheese! It pairs so well with all of the herbs.
Fresh herbs: we’re using a mix of dill, parsley, and chives for that fresh flavor.
Garlic: a clove of garlic adds extra savory flavor.
Lemon: you’ll need both lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice for brightness.
Seasonings: finish it off with a little salt and pepper.
Make this herby goat cheese dip your own
Even though the dip is made with simple ingredients, you can still customize them a few different ways:
Choose your base: feel free to try cream cheese or feta cheese! If you use feta you may need to add a tiny bit of olive oil because it’s not as creamy as goat cheese.
Pick your herbs: you can really use any mix of herbs that you like! Not a fan of parsley? Try cilantro! Out of dill? add more parsley and chives. So easy.
Can I make it dairy free?
I haven’t tested a dairy-free version of this goat cheese spread recipe, but I’d suggest giving it a try with your favorite dairy-free cream cheese!
How to make creamy herbed goat cheese spread
In your food processor: crumble the goat cheese and add it to the bowl of your food processor, followed by the herbs, garlic, lemon zest & juice, salt, and pepper.
In a bowl: simply mix all of the ingredients well in a bowl until they’re well combined. So easy!
Delicious ways to use this herbed goat cheese spread
As a dip for freshly cut vegetables, crackers, pretzels, or pita chips
I hope you love this herbed goat cheese spread! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
The Ambitious Kitchen Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Easy Herbed Goat Cheese Spread
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Total Time 5 minutesminutes
ServesServes 4servings
This easy herbed goat cheese spread makes a delicious dip for crackers or veggies and even a flavorful spread for toast, sandwiches, and wraps! Customize this versatile goat cheese spread with any herbs you have on hand.
Ingredients
8ouncesgoat cheese, crumbled
¼cupfresh dill
¼cupfresh parsley
2tablespoonschopped chives
1garlic clove, roughly chopped
Zest from 1 small lemon
1tablespoonlemon juice
¼teaspoonkosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
In the bowl of the food processor, add the goat cheese (break into crumbles), then add the dill, parsley, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper. Process until smooth. If you’d like, you can also mix the ingredients together in a medium bowl with a fork or spoon until well combined.
Recipe Notes
See the full post for easy ways to customize your goat cheese spread, and our favorite ways to use it!
Are your days non-stop, stressful and overwhelmingly busy? Or are they serene, peaceful and well-paced? For many of us, our weekdays at least begin with an abrupt awakening from the alarm clock, a dash to get ready for work, breakfast on-the-go, followed by meetings, deadlines, quick lunches, emails and then an evening spent catching up on household chores or looking after the family. Even if your days sound a little calmer than that, it’s likely you’re spending much of your waking time doing, giving and expending energy, rather than receiving and replenishing yourself. A while back, we shared how whilst engaging in focused work, we benefit from taking breaks every 90 minutes or so. This is known as the Ultradian Healing Response, and refers to the natural rhythms we move through during the day. Research shows that after a 90 minute bout of focusing, taking a 20 minute break to re-set can help us learn and retain information more effectively, reduce stress and anxiety, improve energy levels, and enhance our overall wellbeing.
In the very same way, taking regular short breaks throughout the day – think of them as mini restorative moments – can help us step off of the incessant wheel of stress, and into a way of living that flows and helps us feel more at ease. If you’ve ever practiced restorative yoga, you may have noticed the benefits of a calmer nervous system, more mental clarity, and greater ability to relax. The good news is, that you don’t have to spend an hour on your yoga mat to give yourself similar benefits; read on to find out how to create restorative moments throughout the day for less stress and more calm.
Breathing Breaks
It’s no secret that the way we breathe profoundly impacts how we feel. A rapid, shallow breath can stimulate a stress response in the body, whilst calm, slow abdominal breathing can help us move into the rest and digest part of the nervous system, where healing and rebalancing take place. Simply by changing the way you breathe, you can create a restorative moment in your day, and help re-centre yourself. The best thing about this practice is that you can do it pretty much anywhere (as long as you feel it is safe to do so). Bring your awareness to your breath; does it feel fast or slow? Shallow or deep? Then, place your hands on your stomach, and inhale slowly through your nose as though you’re trying to fill your belly with breath. Pause for a moment, then let out a long, slow exhale. Repeat 5 times.
Tea has been a part of meditation and mindfulness practices for thousands of years in the East, but you don’t need to travel far at all to engage in the ancient art too. If your days are non-stop, you may not stop for a tea break very often, so even if you’re sipping away at your desk, this quick restorative moment can help you feel calmer amidst the chaos. To practice, hold your cup of tea and gaze at the cup. Simply notice the colour, shape and texture of the cup; how does it feel in your hands? Can you feel the warmth of the tea through the material? Then, bring the tea up to your nose and inhale the scent. How does it make you feel? Does it bring back any memories? Take a sip, and feel the liquid moving through your mouth and throat. Notice the taste and how your body feels as you drink it. Take a deep breath in and out and place the cup down.
Going Barefoot
OK, so kicking your shoes off at the office might not be the most acceptable way to take a restorative break, but if you work from home or you’re out on lunch, going barefoot brings a myriad of benefits. The concept of earthing – touching bare skin to the earth, helps the body pick up free ions from the earth’s surface that act as antioxidants, and can help lower inflammation, improve immune health, enhance sleep, and reduce stress. To practice, simply take off your shoes and connect your bare feet to the earth. Spend a few minutes standing or walking, and aim to make this a regular restorative moment for the best benefits.
The Nature Meditations Deck provides 60 ways to practice mindfulness in Mother Nature, so you can connect to the healing benefits on a regular basis.
Hum and Sing
Much of our ability to feel stressed or relaxed is down to the vagus nerve, and the messages it relays to the brain. The vagus nerve is a long cranial nerve that runs from the brainstem all the way to the gut, connecting to the vocal cords, heart, diaphragm and other organs along the way. This nerve is constantly sensing what’s happening in the body, and telling the brain whether to stimulate the release of stress hormones, or hormones that help us relax. One of the ways to encourage the brain to send those messages of relaxation to the brain is by humming or singing. By doing this, we gently vibrate the vocal cords and stimulate the vagus nerve to let the brain know everything is a-ok. It only takes a moment, and it doesn’t have to involve a full-on operatic display. To practice, simply hum your favourite song gently, or practice brahmari pranayama, which involves taking a long, low hum as you exhale, mimicking the sound of a bee. If you’re alone or in the right company, let your voice shine and sing!
On-The-Go Yoga
To benefit from yoga, you don’t have to go to a class or even step on to a yoga mat. Many yoga postures can be practiced or modified so you can make them part of your daily restorative moments. If you’re at home, take a 2 minute break for a restorative child’s pose, which is especially soothing for those busy and demanding days. Use a pillow or Yogamatters Hemp Bolster to support your body as you rest in this pose and bring your awareness to your breath. Viparita Karani or ‘legs up the wall pose’ is another great go-to posture to give your body and mind a restorative moment – simply lie down on the ground with a soft Organic Cotton Yoga Blanket underneath your shoulders and head, lift your legs up and let the wall support you. This posture works even better if you can spare fifteen minutes for it. If you’re out at work and need a mindful moment, practice Tadasana or ‘mountain pose’, by standing tall and rooting your feet into the earth. As you stand, visualise deep roots growing down into the floor from your feet to ground you, and feel your spine lengthen upon each inhale. Whilst at your desk, a few gentle shoulder and neck stretches can also serve as a quick way to help you re-set. Whatever you can manage will go a long way to creating your restorative moments throughout the day.
Use the Yogamatters Hemp Bolster to support your body in child’s pose, and the Organic Cotton Yoga Blanket for legs up the wall pose. To make yoga a more regular part of your routine, find a space to dedicate to your practice, roll out your Reclaim Sticky Mat, set up your blocks and spend a few minutes moving your body each day.
Which tips will you use to help you create restorative moments throughout the day?
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When is the best time for a runner to test walking shoes? Honestly, all the time, I never stop walking. But when injured there’s extra time, so I needed to find out if the On Cloudtilt hype was really worth it.
Having spent a lot of miles running and walking in SO MANY On shoes that I may be a harsher judge.
That being said, I spent 4 whole days with a group of kids on spring break showing them all over Denver and standing through a Nuggets game…so I can definitely say these are comfortable and feel more stylish than many of my sneakers.
Who Is It Good For?
Who is the On Cloudtilt a good fit for? Let’s break it down with some common categories:
Walking Workouts: Probably not one I’d pound the pavement in for long miles.
Wide Feet: Roomier fit than many shoes, but not available in wide.
Standing All Day: Could definitely hang around in these.
Daily Wear: Designed with casual wear in mind.
The On Cloudtilt is a great casual travel, walking, hang around shoe. As you’ll see, we might be leaning more towards the On Cloudsurfer 2 depending on your needs.
On Cloudtilt Overview
Anyone else never untie their shoes? My first step in was fabulous because there was nothing to consider tying! Instead, we’ve got a nice knotted bungee lace which allows for a roomy fit and easy step in.
Some of On’s casual shoes are really firm, so it was pleasant to find this is a moderately cushioned shoe. This is why I’d say it wouldn’t be my On Cloud walking shoe for standing all day, but I’ve certainly worn it all day to run errands as a comfortable casual shoe.
Interestingly we heard another reviewer say they don’t mind standing all day at work in them, but wouldn’t take them out for a long walk. And that actually makes a lot of sense to us. They are really comfy, but if I’m hoofing it, I want some more cushion.
It’s lightweight and generally available in really classic colors, so you can match it to anything.
Having just spent a lot of time testing the new On Cloudsurfer 2, I feel really biased. If I had to pick between the two, I’d hands down always chose the Cloudsurfer 2 for long days on my feet. It’s $10 cheaper and yet more focused on all day comfort.
I think the Cloudtilt was a go to walking shoe, until they released this even better Cloudsurfer 2. Now the Cloudtilt is absolutely lighter and probably goes even farther in to the casual look, so it’s going to depend on what you need from a shoe!
In terms of bang for buck, I also think the Cloudsurfer is going to be more durable. They’re thinking about runners and long mileage with that shoe.
On the flip side, we’ve also tested out the Cloudflyer 5 and it’s going to be firmer than both of these shoes. It’s going to provide more support and be a better option for some of our heavier walkers who need durability and some foot guidance.
We admit to wondering if the hype around this shoe mostly came from a celebrity face? We love On Running shoes, but feel like they’ve made better options for less.
On Cloudtilt Specs
Let’s look at some of the details:
Weight: 10.6 oz Men’s, 8 oz Women’s
Heel drop: 7 mm
Available in 7 colors (and some limited edition options)
The outsole doesn’t have much grip, so just consider that if you’re wearing them when it’s rainy or on any slicker surfaces. It’s probably also not the shoe we’d recommend for our heavier walkers. It just needs a little bit more support.
On Cloudtilt Fit
Similar size to what I’d wear in running shoes. If you’ve never purchased running shoes, but are looking for something to wear all day long then I recommend going up 1/2 size from your casual shoes.
I swear you’ll be surprised how much more comfortable your sneakers are after 5 or 6 hours when you size up.
The rest of the fit is a little roomier, but not loose. Just know that again my feet can breathe as the will swell the longer and longer you are standing. While it’s not a wide toe box shoe, it didn’t feel narrow or constricting.
Similar Walking Shoes to On Cloudtilt
Not sure if this is the walking shoe for you, we get it. Here are some others we recommend:
And of course, we already mentioned the On Cloudsurfer 2, but we hope you’ll check it out because we think it’s a great option for so many.Turns out walking shoes are just as much fun to review as running shoes, so maybe I’ll be amping up those miles as well! Perfect excuse to enjoy more of the great weather.
Hopefully this On Cloudtilt review gave you some good insights, but always happy to answer any other questions!
Looking for more reviews?
Other ways to connect with Amanda Instagram Daily Fun: RunToTheFinish
Most of us know that screentime is often an enemy of sleep, but an innovative idea from the University of Kent in England has found a way to make better use of our cell phones in order to promote better shut eye. Surprisingly, GIFs could be the answer.
While the recommended amount of sleep for adults is at least 7 hours per night, the CDC reports that well over 30% of American’s fail to hit that mark, and it’s a pattern that appears to be getting worse over time. In addition to shift workers and those with young families, athletes are another group that often fail to score enough sleep due to poor sleep hygiene or late bedtimes. Because sleep is so important for all of us in terms of recovery and performance, finding ways to settle down is a significant desire, but distractions like cell phones often steal extra time from our downtime. In order to redress the balance, Dr Julie Gooderick and her team designed a series of GIFs to promote better sleep hygiene, and the results were dreamy.
How was the study conducted?
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) animations have, up until now, mostly been used for sarcastic political commentary or as a quick way to reply to an emotive message, but in this new study, published in the European Journal of Sport Science, the team developed GIF’s with messages like “Screens away 30 minutes before bed” or “Replace caffeinated drink with non-caffeinated herbal tea or water.”
The messages were trailed on professional soccer players from the Women’s Super League, the top league for female football in England. The participants were sent these GIF’s every day for 2 weeks at 8pm.
What were the results?
Not only were the results overwhelmingly positive, with the players reporting improvements in their pillow time, but these results were achieved during the footballer’s mid-season, which can be a high-pressure time leading to less quality sleep. “’Working with professional female athletes for this study not only allowed us to help improve their sleep quality, but it also helped us to identify a new time and resource efficient method of sleep enhancement,” said Dr Gooderick of the findings.
We already know that many of us are highly suggestible as we scroll our nights away on social media, so swapping Instagram or TikTok for more positive messaging from specially designed GIFs could be the bedtime habit that we’ve been looking for. “Initial evidence highlights a promising strategy using GIF messaging as an individualised sleep hygiene education intervention,” added Gooderick. “This strategy may provide the opportunity for sport coaches and athletes to access specialist advice in sleep without the potential constraint of resources or location for both themselves and sleep specialists.” Since cell phone are here to stay, harnessing their potential for helping us hit the hay is a dream come true.
These pulled chicken tacos are the ultimate Tex-Mex weeknight dinner! I make these tacos with my juicy slow cooker pulled chicken recipe that’s cooked in zesty salsa sauce before it’s tucked into a soft tortilla and pan-fried with all the fixings.
I recently made this slow cooker pulled chicken and turned the leftovers into the most incredible pulled chicken tacos! I knew right away that they needed a post of their own. The chicken is moist, tender, and jammed full of flavor after cooking for hours in a zesty salsa mixture. Afterward, all you need to do is shred it, and assemble everything between soft tortillas. Pan-fry your tacos, or don’t, either way they’re the best!
Reasons to Love These Pulled Chicken Tacos
Hands-free. This dump-and-go pulled chicken recipe is my kind of dinner. It leaves most of the work to the crock pot and I can get it started the night before.
Bold flavors. The chicken slow cooks in a rich, seasoned salsa so there’s no need to make a separate sauce. The result is tender shredded chicken packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor, and the ingredients are crazy simple.
Saucy and delicious. I use the leftover cooking juices to drench the tortillas before filling them with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and cheese, then pan-frying. Finished off with homemade avocado sauce, these tacos are 100% worth getting my hands a little messy.
Versatile. Just like I used leftovers for these chicken tacos, you can repurpose the pulled chicken recipe into more delicious meals, from chicken enchiladas to tostadas, taco bowls, salads, and more.
Pulled chicken ingredients.Taco ingredients.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need to make the pulled chicken and then assemble it into tacos. Scroll down to the recipe card for the printable recipe, followed by step-by-step photos.
For the Pulled Chicken
Chicken – You can make the pulled chicken with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
Salsa – Choose your favorite salsa from the store, or homemade salsa. It can be spicy or mild depending on how bold you’d like the flavors to be.
Brown Sugar – You could also use granulated sugar, honey, or another sweetener.
Seasonings – Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder, plus salt and pepper to taste.
For the Tacos
Tortillas – Feel free to use corn or flour tortillas, whichever you prefer. I like to toast the tortillas in a skillet with olive oil to crisp them up a bit. You could also use taco shells.
Beans and Corn – These can be kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans. You can use canned sweet corn or trim the kernels from cooked corn on the cob. If you’re using canned corn and beans, remember to rinse and drain them beforehand.
Shredded Cheese – Freshly grated mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or another melty cheese. You can use Mexican Oaxaca or Cotija cheese, too, if you have it.
Fresh Herbs – Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish.
Creamy Avocado Sauce
I top these pulled chicken tacos with a bright and zesty, simplified version of my avocado salad dressing. It’s as easy as adding avocado, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, salt, and pepper to a food processor, or using an immersion blender to combine them into a smooth, creamy sauce. See the recipe card for more details.
More seasonings. In place of the individual seasonings in the pulled chicken recipe, you can use taco seasoning or fajita seasoning.
Check the chicken for doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF before you shred it.
Leave the tortillas plain. Brushing the tortillas with salsa/cooking sauce is optional. The sauce is so delicious, I just think it’s a shame not to use it. Of course, you can skip frying the tacos altogether and assemble the pulled chicken and toppings in plain tortillas instead.
Chicken Taco Fixings
In addition to the sweet corn and red beans in this recipe, these are some more favorite taco toppings that you can use to dress these pulled chicken tacos:
Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftover pulled chicken. Refrigerate any leftover slow cooker pulled chicken airtight for up to 4 days.
Reheat. Warm the pulled chicken in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot throughout. I love adding the pulled chicken to a taco bowl along with any leftover taco toppings for a quick, easy lunch.
Combine the ingredients. In the slow cooker, add salsa, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin powder, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken.
Cook. Cook the chicken on a HIGH setting for 3 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours.
Shred the chicken. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks, and add ¼ cup of the cooking/salsa sauce to the shredded chicken.
Make the avocado sauce. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the avocado sauce. Add avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste in a food blender. Blend until smooth. You can also use an immersion blender.
Assemble the tacos:
Coat the tortillas. Brush a large skillet with oil. Generously brush the flour tortillas with the cooking/salsa sauce from the slow cooker. (optional step)
Assemble the tacos. Place the tortilla, salsa side up, in the heated skillet. Add 1/8 of the cheese, 1/8 of the chicken, 1/8 of the red beans, and 1/8 of the corn on top of the tortillas.
Fry it. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 3-4 minutes. Gently lift and flip the tortilla and cook for another 3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Serve. Serve the warm chicken tacos with the avocado sauce and chopped cilantro or parsley.
Chicken options. Substitute chicken breast with boneless and skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.
Seasoning. For more flavor, add taco seasoning.
Warming the tortillas. You can skip the step of brushing the tortillas with the cooking/salsa sauce and use them as they are. I find the sauce delicious, and it would be a waste not to use it.
Cheese options. Try adding some fresh cotija cheese or replacing mozzarella cheese with Monterey Jack cheese for a different finish.
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
How to Make Pulled Chicken Tacos
Follow the steps below to make the tastiest chicken tacos. And, if you already have leftover salsa verde chicken or similar in the fridge, you can absolutely use it in this recipe instead! Just skip over the slow cooking part until next time. Let’s make some tacos:
Combine the ingredients.Slow cook the chicken.
Cook the chicken. The day before or the morning of, combine salsa, seasonings, and chicken in the crock pot or slow cooker. Cook on High for 3 hours or on Low for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
Shed the chicken. Use two forks to shred the chicken. Then, add about ¼ cup of the salsa/cooking sauce, and toss to coat. I like to save the sauce leftover in the slow cooker to brush over the tortillas before assembling the tacos.
Coat the tortillas. Now, coat a skillet lightly with oil. In the meantime, brush or dip the tortillas in the remaining cooking sauce, chicken birria-style (only if you’d like to, though I highly recommend it!).
Assemble the tacos. Add the tortillas to your preheated skillet. Sprinkle each tortilla with shredded cheese, then top with your pulled chicken, beans, and corn. Fold the tortilla in half and fry it in the pan for 3-4 minutes, carefully flip, and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side.
Serve. Move the finished tacos to a plate and serve them warm topped with creamy avocado sauce (see the Ingredients section earlier), fresh cilantro, and any taco toppings you’d like.
If you’re unfamiliar with the name Robin Lefebvre in Canadian track and field, it’s one to put on your radar for the next two Olympic cycles.
Over the weekend, the 18-year-old from Montreal stunned the field in the high school boys’ championship one-mile race at the New Balance Indoor Nationals in Boston, using his lethal final-lap kick to break the tape.
Lefebvre sat comfortably in the top three with two laps to go before surging to the front and unleashing a blazing 27-second final lap to pull away from his American competitors. He crossed the finish line in 4:05.22, just shy of his personal best, and broke the signature New Balance Indoor Nationals tape.
This wasn’t Lefebvre’s only race of the weekend. He was also the runner-up in the boys’ championship 800m, clocking a personal best and a new Quebec U20 provincial record of 1:48.63. He was narrowly edged out by Cole Boone of Virginia, who took the win in 1:48.29.
Reflecting on his weekend, Lefebvre kept it modest on social media, calling the experience “pretty cool.” That might be an understatement from the young middle-distance talent, who is in his final year of high school at Collège Notre-Dame in Montreal.
The New Balance Indoor Nationals annually bring together the best high school athletes from across North America, showcasing their speed and skill in front of collegiate coaches and fellow elite athletes. Lefebvre’s performances from the weekend add to his already impressive running resume, which includes a Canadian U20 800m national title at the Bell Canadian Olympic Track and Field Trials last June in his hometown.
TAMPA, Fla. — None of Andrew Boisen’s initial options for commuting from his home in Tarpon Springs to Pinellas Technical College looked pretty.
Boisen has a disability that prevents him from driving a car. He could hop on the county’s fixed-route bus system — but the ride would require 30 minutes of walking and a bus transfer, lasting two hours if everything went seamlessly.
He could wake his mom up at 6 a.m. for the 30-minute drive. Or he could pay at least $30 each way for an Uber or Lyft.
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For most car-free Pinellas County residents, other options are scarce. But Boisen’s disability, epilepsy, gave him another opportunity: registering for the county’s paratransit system, which allows him to hail rides from his home to school or work for just $4.50 each way. The transit agency covers the rest.
Before 2016, paratransit — a door-to-door service required by the Americans with Disabilities Act for people who can’t use a regular bus route independently — had one limitation. Riders had to hail rides a day in advance, limiting their ability to access spontaneous events or change plans.
But Pinellas County was one of the first transit agencies to coordinate with Uber and Lyft on a new program: mobility on-demand. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority contracts with rideshare companies to service immediate trips that paratransit otherwise wouldn’t accommodate.
“Traditionally, paratransit programs have been next-day services,” said Jen Shepherd, global head of Uber transit, which coordinates partnerships with local agencies. “Now it’s a same-day service.”
But a proposed rule from the Federal Transit Administration, drafted weeks before President Donald Trump took office, could threaten those partnerships, which have since expanded to more than 80 cities, from Chicago to Phoenix.
The rule would require rideshare companies to drug test their drivers if they are to partner with transit agencies.
For Uber, which relies on more than 7 million gig workers in the United States, requiring drug tests would diminish driver supply and raise prices, Shepherd said. Uber wouldn’t ask that of its drivers when the company already screens workers for impaired driving and violent offenses yearly, she said.
“Conceptually, it’s a good idea,” said Gloria Lepik-Corrigan, a wheelchair user and disability advocate who occasionally uses mobility on-demand services in Pinellas. “Don’t we all wish that every Uber and Lyft driver was not on drugs?”
But the policy isn’t worth it if it pares back paratransit options, Lepik-Corrigan said. Instead, she advises riders who feel unsafe to say “no thank you” and request a different driver.
Rideshare companies have safety records that mimic or are better than those of traditional paratransit services, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority CEO Brad Miller said.
In 2023, more than 3 million Uber trips were booked via transit agency partnerships, averaging more than 8,000 riders per day, according to the company. In August, more than 16,000 riders with disabilities in Pinellas scheduled paratransit services through rideshare companies.
Without Uber as a paratransit option, “I would basically have to schedule my life 24 to 72 hours in advance,” Boisen said. “If something pops up or I have to cancel it, there’s nothing I could do.”
Pinellas’ transit agency wants the partnership to stay in place, as well. Contracting with rideshare companies is less expensive than manning a traditional paratransit van, Miller said. If the partnership is canceled, the transit agency estimates it would have to spend at least $1 million more on paratransit services.
When the rideshare partnership was implemented, “customers, especially people with disabilities loved the increased mobility that Uber and Lyft offered them,” Miller wrote in a letter to the federal government opposing the rule. “Now customers were choosing to ride to lunch with a friend, or the movies or to a baseball game.”
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority does not currently contract with rideshare companies. But a conservative board member, Commissioner Josh Wostal, suggested last year that the bus service should offer more subsidized rideshare services.
The Pinellas transit authority also contracts with rideshare companies to provide late-night rides for workers whose job begins or ends between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. for $3 each way. The Tampa Bay Times reported in 2017 that Tampa Bay’s bus services already connect workers to fewer jobs than most metro areas of a similar size in the U.S. — making point-to-point services a critical lifeline.
The federal government ended public comment on its proposed rule in mid-February. It’s not clear when the rule may advance. Some members of Pinellas’ transit agency board have suggested the new administration may dismiss the proposed rule.
But until the rule’s fate is clear, Uber and transit agencies around the country are rallying to preserve these partnerships that plug gaps in service, Shepherd said.
Want to grow a small vegetable garden but limited on yard space? Container gardens are great strategies for small backyard vegetable garden ideas. Try a container vegetable garden as a simple solution for growing easy access herbs, vegetables, and fruit this season.
At the first teases of spring—morning bird chatter in the warmth of an earlier risen sun, emerald cover on the Sulphur mountains out my kitchen window, fledgling new shoots and colorful blooms—I think vegetable garden! I seriously get giddy with the anticipation of going outdoors and absorbing the splendor of the spring season by planting a small vegetable garden. From making my wish list of herbs, vegetables, and fruits to plant, heading to my community garden center to grab seeds, seedlings, and soil, and then digging into the dirt beneath a blue sky, I love it all!
Edible flowers—nasturtium, calendula, and lavender—in this pretty blue pot in my patio.
This year, I’m creating more container small vegetable gardens. My larger backyard vegetable garden and small orchard in Ojai will always have my heart, but I’m so loving this little flirtation with growing edibles in pots and other smaller containers. The plan is to have my pots and containers closer to me. Why not grow my spring herbs right outside my kitchen door so I can snip a sprig of thyme or basil on a whim as I’m cooking? Grow them in pretty, decorative pots or a rustic wine barrel and they’re instant seasonal décor—pretty and functional.
Feeling inspired? Container gardening for small vegetable gardens is one of the best ways to grow a garden, and it’s ideal for beginners, small spaces, and minimal time, effort, and cost. Even if you have the yard space, container gardens showcase the beauty of edible gardening. From trees like lemons (I have them at my front door), oranges, and olives in larger pots, to herbs like thyme and rosemary in smaller herb pots, to edible flowers like lavender, nasturtium and calendula in pretty floral pots, to powerful veggie producers like tomatoes, kale, and chili peppers in wooden containers, there is just so much vegetable gardening you can do on a smaller scale. The versatility, variety, ease, creativity, and straight up beauty of a container garden are perks to the biggest reason to start one—a homegrown harvest of healthy, delicious springtime fruits, veggies, and herbs.
Fresh herbs from my herb garden container.
Top Reasons to Create a Small Vegetable Garden
Grow Plants Anywhere Windowsill, balcony, front walkway, rooftop, indoors—as long as there’s adequate light, a water source, and occasional food, you can have a container garden.
It’s Easier Container gardens are no-fuss compared to in-ground gardens: No weeds, fewer pests to fend off, less disease from soil, easier to fertilize and water in a small space and scale, and they take less time and effort.
Homegrown Food A tiny window box of basil, a hanging basket or strawberries, a 5-gallon tub of tomatoes—food is always fresher and tastes better when you grow it yourself.
It’s Healthy Time outdoors, vitamin sunlight, and physical activity make gardening healthy for body and mind. Recent research suggests there are mental health benefits from working with plants, even for people who have never gardened before.
They Look Amazing Decorating with plants is always in style. Your edible garden can dress up any space not only with nature’s beauty, but with a variety of pots and containers that can fit any aesthetic, from fun and cute, woodsy and practical, to elegant and chic.
A Sustainable Step Growing your own food is one of the best things you can do for the planet. Even small steps make a difference, plant by plant.
Choose from an array of herbs and vegetables for your containers.
Get Ready to Grow!
Location
As long as you have a space with adequate sunlight: windowsill, hanging basket, balcony, patio, you’re set to get started. Ideally, your space will get full sun 6 to 8 hours a day, which is necessary for fruiting plants like tomatoes, squash, or peppers. Herbs and leafy greens like lettuces and spinach can thrive with less, 3 to 5 hours of sun per day. Consider your water source in your space. Proximity to a hose is convenient, but a watering can will work just fine, assuming pot sizes and numbers are small scale. As temps rise, you could be watering once, if not twice, a day. (If soil feels dry an inch down, it’s time to water.)
Arugula, tomatoes, and herbs harvested from my small container garden. My edible terra cotta flower pot by my back door holds calendula.
Choosing Containers
Pots, tubs, and containers may be ceramic glazed in a variety of colors and designs, terra cotta, plastic (opt for food grade plastic so they don’t leech into your edibles), wood, cement, metal, and fabric. Consider cost, weight, durability, and size. For example, plastic containers are light weight, inexpensive, but not very durable, whereas terra cotta and ceramic pots are pretty, but are breakable and can be pricey. Reuse containers you already own or look for used or seconds to keep costs down. You can also upcycle most anything that can hold soil into a container: wheelbarrow, wagon, bathtub, basket, bucket, hanging basket, window boxes, old boot—let your imagination soar! Most vegetables need at least 12 inches of soil to grow well, but some, like tomatoes, need a 5- to 10-gallon pot. Be sure your container has a water drainage hole in the bottom, and consider plant saucers or something to collect drainage if you want to protect the surface beneath the container. Whether you go with a fun, eclectic mix or a uniform, matched collection, give your container garden decorative character that reflects your vibe.
I make my own compost from food scraps and yard waste to fill my containers.
Dirty Details
Soil from the yard or garden is not well suited for containers, as it’s too dense and heavy and may be prone to disease and pests. Instead, go soilless with potting mix, which is specially formulated for use in containers. It’s lightweight for better drainage and aeration, and should be free of disease and pests. Potting mix might contain a combination of sand, compost, sphagnum moss and peat, coir, perlite, vermiculite, or pine bark. They’re readily available at garden centers, or you can mix up your own using a recipe (you can find them online) that suits the type of plants you’re growing. It’s a good idea to mix organic fertilizer or compost (make your own by checking out my gardening toolkit) into your potting mix or add it on top just after planting. Then, feed your container plants with organic fertilizer or compost at least a couple times a month to add nutrients. I like to use compost, which I make at home, but you can also purchase it.
Kale grows abundantly in smaller containers.
Picking Plants
Planting from seed is less expensive and offers lots of variety. But, it takes more time and care. Seedlings are easier because they’ve already got a good start, but they cost more. Herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, and sage are among the easiest plants to grow in containers. Leafy greens like spinach and lettuces grow well too. Tomatoes are always a summer favorite! Keep in mind that fruit trees do really well in pots, too. I have lemons, oranges, and avocadoes in pots that produce fruit each year. If you live in a cooler climate, you can move those pots in doors if need be. Really, most any fruit or veggie can be grown in a pot as long as it has enough space and ideal growing conditions.
Growing conditions will determine when you start planting. Where you live matters when it comes to timing. In sunny SoCal, I am close to planting because we’re starting to get long hours of sunlight on a regular basis. Wait to plant until your temps are done dipping into freezing and your sunlight is predictably consistent. When shopping for seeds, the package will tell you the best conditions to plant. For seedlings, the local garden center is selling those that are ready to plant where you live.
No matter how new to gardening or how tight your space, you can do this! Start with one pot, and add more as you like. I’m so excited to embark on my own pot pourri of edible goodness. Grab the Container Garden Shopping List, below, and let’s get started together. It won’t be long before we’ll be enjoying our most loved springtime garden-to-table recipes prepared with homegrown container garden goodness.
So much goodness can be gleaned from small container gardening!
Container Garden Shopping List
Containers with drainage holes and any accompanying saucers or stands
Potting mix and organic fertilizer and/or compost
Hose or watering can
Hand trowel
Small gardening scissors or pruners for trimming and harvesting
Gardening gloves
Seeds and/or seedlings or starter plants
Basket or container to gather trimmings and harvests
Tomatoes harvested from my wooden container garden.
Learn more by checking out my free home gardening toolkit here.
10 Recipes Straight From the Garden
For some of my favorite recipes that feature produce from my home garden, check out the following:
Brad Pitt is set to drive onto the big screen as the fictional character Sonny Hayes, a racing star of the 90s who was forced to retire after a crash but is lured back into the sport to mentor the rookie prodigy “Noah” Pearce, played by Damson Idris. While not a true story, those in the industry are already calling this one of the most authentic F1 based films ever made. And, if this behind-the-scenes look is anything to go by, there will be a race to the cinema when it premieres June 25, 2025.
What is F1 about?
The story goes that “the greatest that never was,” Sonny Hayes was Formula 1’s most promising speed demon of the 1990s until a tragic accident on the track nearly ended his career for good. Thirty years later, he finds himself as an independent racer-for-hire when the downbeat driver is approached by former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), who is the owner of a struggling Formula 1 team that is on the verge of collapse. Ruben convinces the hapless Hayes to come back to Formula 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world.
In true Hollywood fashion, he accepts, and drives alongside Joshua “Noah” Pearce, the team’s hotshot rookie intent on setting his own pace. The elder racer once again finds out that in Formula 1, your teammate is often your fiercest competition, and the road to redemption is not something you can complete alone.
Why are Critics Praising F1’s Authenticity?
F1 was shot during actual Grand Prix weekends and used camera technology that was developed for the highly acclaimed Top Gun: Maverick. In a backstage clip released ahead of the movie reaching pole position, Damson Idris admitted that things got real on set. “If I’m scared at least my partner in crime, Brad is scared with me,” he joked.
Race fans are taken inside the pit and on top of the track to experience life as a full throttle F1 driver. “We’ve had unprecedented access to the tracks,” said the movie’s producer, Jerry Bruckheimer. Those shooting locations included far flung locations such as Silverstone in England, Mexico City, Abu Dhabi, and Las Vegas. “The F1 movie is as authentic a racing movie has ever been,” said Lewis Hamilton, who has won seven Formula 1 World Championship’s and serves as a producer on the film.
Watch a Behind the Scenes Look at the Upcoming F1 Movie
Turns out walking shoes are just as much fun to review as running shoes, so maybe I’ll be amping up those miles as well! Perfect excuse to enjoy more of the great weather.
