2018 Publix Gasparilla Race

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE TAMPA BAY TIMES

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BY D. M. CRAIG TIMES CORRESPONDENT

Helping the community and enjoying a great race are the order of the weekend for the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic.

Stretch the legs, tighten those laces and adjust that eye patch! The 2018 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic is not farrrrgh away!

Join thousands of runners from across the country, state, and Tampa Bay area Feb. 23-25 for a weekend of friendly competition, healthy fun and community fundraising.

Since its inaugural race in 1978, the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic (PGDC) has raised more than $5 million for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tampa, Friends of Tampa Bay Recreation, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay – the Heritage Charities. With a mission of raising much needed charitable dollars and promoting running as sport in the bay area, this annual celebration brings together participants as diverse as the community it serves. Young, old, experienced and newcomers, the physically fit and physically challenged all compete against the beautiful backdrop of Tampa Bay. The weekend kicks off at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Tampa Convention Center sponsored by News Channel 8. It’s free and open to the public. If you haven’t committed to running or walking this year, you can register during the Expo providing the race hasn’t sold out – like each of the Michelob Ultra Challenges, which sell out months in advance. (Interested 2

| Sunday, February 18, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

in running one in 2019? Registration opens May 1 – at 2012 prices –and runs through May 31.)

The 2018 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K and 5K races start Saturday, Feb. 24, along with Kellogg’s 5K Stroller Roll (look for cute, costumed kids in piratethemed strollers) and the Kashi 5K Walk, for a slightly slower-paced but no less competitive race. The Expo also continues on Saturday.

On Sunday, runners line up for the Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon and 8K. Both race days wrap up with a Q105 Post-Race celebration presented by Michelob Ultra. “It’s a very special and beautiful race,� says Swedishborn Anna M. Clerkin, a graphic designer from St. Petersburg, who has participated in the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic for the last three years. “Running at dawn along Bayshore Boulevard is a great way to start the day. There’s so much community support for all the runners. Bands are playing, and to see that finish line is just thrilling. I love every minute of it!�

Whatever your skill, age, or experience level, you’ll find a healthy amount of competition, a bounty of fun, and plenty of bling waiting for you at the 2018 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic. Lace ‘em up, Tampa Bay!

Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic

WHEN

Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25

WHERE

Downtown Tampa

RACING EVENTS

5K, 15K (Saturday) 8K, Half Marathon (Sunday)

WHY

To raise funds for local youth and running organizations

GET READY!

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

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, February 18, 2018 |

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Q &A

Gasparilla

with Susan Harmeling

as more of a competitive environment and one that perhaps was intimidating to those that simply wanted to be a part of the annual PGDC Race Weekend Celebration, that now includes the 15K, 5K, Half Marathon and 8K. That was never the case…since 1978, Gasparilla has been open to all fitness levels and has worked to offer a distance for everyone and every fitness level.

do you feel when you see so many Q How people participating in the race? .

What an awesome feeling it is for us to know that so many lives are being touched through the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend. We are in the business of touching lives and giving folks the opportunity to make memories, have fun and reach their individual goals. It’s amazing and even more so, when you remember that in addition to touching lives, we’re raising much-needed funds for the Tampa Bay Area youth charitable organizations supported by the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association.

While charities are the beneficiaries of the Qrace, how does the city profit from the event? .

The Association’s Heritage Charities receive the bulk of the monies that are raised on an annual basis. Those are the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and the Friends of Tampa Recreation. Additional monies are donated to youth running programs and several nonprofits that provide Race Weekend Volunteers.Through the PGDC Race Weekend Events, the City of Tampa is host to 32,500 runners and walkers, from all walks of life, 50-States and ten countries. In 2017, 6,000+ traveled to Tampa for one or more of the Race Weekend Events. In addition to the economic impact generated by the events, the PGDC Race Weekend showcases the beauty of Tampa Bay and illustrates the great culture and diversity of our city.

BY TOM WUCKOVICH TIMES CORRESPONDENT

.

Susan Harmeling is passionate about the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic. As Executive Director of the Classic for more than 25 years, it has become more to her than just a career. She has helped to create an event that appeals to runners of all ages, while bringing the community together to help support worthy causes. Here are some of her thoughts about the event.

Oh my…our volunteers are crucial to our success. In too many ways to list and starting with Packet Pick-Up during the 8 On Your Side Health & Fitness Expo, the volunteers literally touch each of the participants and throughout Race Weekend, are an extension of the city, our sponsors and the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association. From beginning to end, they make sure that every registered runner and walker’s needs are met, that they make it to the Finish Line and when heading for their car at day’s end, feel that they’ve been well taken care of and treated with care.

QGasparilla Distance Classic?

While you have several categories for Q participants, is there another one you would like to see added in the future, or is it pretty

Several years ago, in an effort to encourage healthy living for all, the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association introduced the Kellogg’s 5K Stroller Roll and Kashi 5K Walk as part of the annual Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend. Immediately, there was growth…walkers, families with strollers. It was amazing…the Association felt that prior to the introduction of these two events, the community saw Gasparilla, then only a 15K and 5K,

Hmmm…the Association continues to do its best to offer an event for the entire family and for every fitness level.

Currently, we offer the Publix Too Good For Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic, a stand-alone and Free event for kids ages 2 -10, and the PGDC Race Weekend includes a 15K, 5K, Half Marathon and 8K, the Kellogg’s 5K Stroller Roll, Kashi 5K Walk, and for folks that like to push themselves, three

. What has contributed to the growth of the

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How much do the volunteers mean to the Qrace?

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.

complete for now?

multi-event Michelob Ultra Challenges. Never say never, but I think we have a full plate!

Q What about sponsors. Is there a need for more? .

Always, but we strive to be mindful of our current corporate partners that for years, have supported the PGDC Race Weekend Events and what we do. The Association feels that in some cases, less is more.

What advice do you have for spectators who Q want to attend the race, such as when to arrive and where are the best places to watch and look .

for your family and friends?

Come early! The beauty of all of our events are that the Start and Finish Lines are within walking distance of one another and all of the running routes are out and back on Bayshore Boulevard. The Finish Line Area offers four sets of bleachers and plenty of space for folks to line up along the barricades. Most important for family and friends, please make arrangements ahead of Race Morning as to where you’ll reunite with those in the race. Suggested: the Tampa Riverwalk or Cotanchobee Park (behind Amalie Arena), site of the Q105 Post-Race Celebration, and a short walk from the Finish Line via the Tampa Riverwalk.

advice do you have for first-time Q What participants? .

• Eat a healthy and light meal the evening before.

• Don’t fret if you can’t sleep the night before the race…as long as you sleep well most of the time, race day excitement will carry you through.

• Race Day is not the time to try new shoes and clothing.

No matter how performance-minded the purchase, stick with clothing and shoes that you’ve trained in and find comfortable.

• Arrive early. Leave plenty of time for traffic, parking, packet pick-up, grabbing some water and standing in the portable toilet line. And never cut in line for the portable toilet. Runners do their best to support one another, but not in the portable toilet line!

• Do not talk during The Star Spangled Banner!

Why do so many high profile athletes want to Qcompete in the Gasparilla Distance Classic? .

The Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K, 5K, Half Marathon and 8K courses are beautiful, flat, fast, and great for setting a Personal Best. This combined with the $10,000 15K and Half Marathon Local Prize Purse and $30,000 American Only Half Marathon Prize Purse, attracts high caliber local and national athletes.

After all is said and done, what is your Qgreatest hope for the race to accomplish? .

That the PGDC Events continue to be a success, continue to raise much needed funds for Tampa Bay Area youth charitable organizations and that we continue to touch lives and make a difference in the Tampa Bay community.

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, February 18, 2018 |

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Friday, February 23 8 On Your Side Health & Fitness Expo

10 a.m – 8 p.m.

Tampa Convention Center - East & Central Hall

Saturday, February 24 8 On Your Side Health & Fitness Expo

6 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tampa Convention Center - East & Central Hall Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K & 5K

CELEBRATIONS Awards for the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic races are as follows:

15K

Top 5 Overall Male & Female, Top 5 Local Prize Purse Winners, Top Male & Female Masters, Top Male & Female Grandmasters, Wheelchair Division Awards, USAA Military Division, Raymond James 15K Team Challenge Awards

5K Top 5 Overall Male & Female, Top Male & Female Masters, Top

Male & Female Grandmasters USAA Military Division, Raymond James 5K Team Challenge Awards

2018 PUBLIX GASPARILLA DISTANCE CLASSIC 15K & 5K COURSES MAP

15k – Brorein & Franklin St. Wheelchair Start 6:40 a.m.

15K Wave #1 6:45 a.m.

15K Wave #2 6:50 a.m.

5k – Brorein & Franklin St. 5K Wave #1 5K Wave #2 5K Wave #3 5K Wave #4 5K Wave #5 Kellogg’s 5K Stroller Roll Kashi 5K Walk

9:15 a.m.

9:25 a.m.

9:35 a.m.

9:45 a.m.

9:55 a.m.

10:05 a.m.

10:15 a.m.

Q105 Post Race Celebration presented by Michelob Ultra Cotanchobee Park 9 a.m. – 2 p.m

Sunday, February 25 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon & 8K

Half Marathon

Top 5 Overall Male & Female, Top 5 American Prize Purse Winners, Top 5 Local Half Marathon Prize Purse Winners, Top Male & Female Masters, Top Male & Female Grand Masters, Raymond James Half Marathon Team Challenge Team Awards

8K Top 5 Overall Male & Female, Top Male & Female Masters, Top Male & Female Grand Masters, USAA Military Division, Raymond James Team Challenge Awards

Half Marathon Open Start - Platt and Bayshore Avenue 6 a.m.

8K Open Start - Bayshore and Verne 9:15 a.m.

Q105 Post Race Celebration presented by Michelob Ultra Cotanchobee Park 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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For registration details and more information about the race,

visit www.tampabayrun.com

CHALLENGES

Hardcore endurance athletes looking for something to brag about need not look further. In addition to the individual event amenities, Finishers take home a Challenge Finisher’s Jacket, Challenge Finisher’s Medal and other booty!

Michelob Ultra Challenge

Test your mettle by running 30+ miles in two days competing in the 15K and 5K on Saturday and the Half Marathon and 8K on Sunday. (Note: registration for this event is closed.)

Michelob Ultra Amber Challenge

Run the 15K and 5K races on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday. (Note: registration for this event is closed.)

Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus Challenge

Sunday, clocking a total of 14.2 miles. (Note: registration for this event is closed.)

Treasured Chest Challenge

This new race challenge takes place on both of Florida’s coasts: Participants run the DONNA Marathon Weekend in Jacksonville Beach Feb. 10 to Feb. 12 then compete in the Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon Race in Tampa.

Registration is closed for this Challenge. To learn more, visit breastcancermarathon.com/run/treasured-chestchallenge/.

Runners compete in Saturday’s 15K race and 8K on

2018 PUBLIX GASPARILLA HALF MARATHON 8K COURSE MAP

Ferman Automotive Chevy Cruzin’ Krewe Challenge

Saturday’s 2018 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic includes: 15K - 9.3 miles

Cash prize money for the 15K totals $10,000 for men and women from Tampa Bay. No American Prize Money in the 15K. Wave #1 - 6:45 a.m.

Wave #2 - 6:50 a.m..

Run or walk in any of the races with your motley krewe for the chance of winning a free oil change certificate from Ferman Automotive.

5K - 3.1 miles

The Raymond James Corporate & Open Team Challenge

Kellogg’s 5K Stroller Roll

There’s strength in numbers!

Create a team of co-workers, family members, friends, or your running or other social group and compete together in the 15K, 5K, 8K, or Half Marathon.

USAA Military Division

Active, retired, and former military personnel compete in individual 15K, 5K, 8K, and Half Marathon races.

Q105 Post-Race Celebrations, Presented

by Michelob Ultra Celebrate with the runners in Cotanchobee Park behind the Amalie Arena Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In addition to live music and door prizes,award ceremonies for each day’s winners will take place at 11 a.m.

There are five waves of 5K racers, each with a start time 10 minutes apart. The first start is 9:15 a.m., the last is 9:55 a.m.

10:05 a.m.

Kashi 5K Walk 10:15 a.m.

Sunday’s races include the 2018 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon & 8K. Half Marathon - 13.1 miles

Cash prize money for the Half Marathon totals $30,000 for Amercian men and women and $10,000 for men and women from Tampa Bay. Open start 6:00 a.m.

8K - 4.97 miles Open start

9:15 a.m..

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, February 18, 2018 |

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Race day etiquette:

- q q q

BY D. M. CRAIG TIMES CORRESPONDENT

Whether this is your first time participating in the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic or your tenth, here are five tips to make the experience enjoyable.

1. Focus on sleeping well, especially in the days leading up to the race. The night before, you’re likely to be a bit excited, so get several nights of good sleep this week. Save the partying for after the race. Your body will thank you.

bowl of oatmeal with dried fruit, or a bagel with peanut butter.

Anything you eat should be high-energy and easily digestible.

Of course, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – water, energy drinks, coffee.

2. Eat well before the race. The night before, eat healthy, not heavy. On race day, try to eat at least two hours before the start. When you do, keep it light. Shape magazine suggests a

3. Arrive early. Allow yourself enough time to park, check in, get your race packet and grab some water. Allow, too, for lines at the portable toilets. Thousands will be running this race so factor in some considerable wait time.

4. Be comfortable. It doesn’t matter how far you’re running or walking, race day is not the day to break in new sportswear. Wear your most comfortable shoes and shorts so you can stay focused on the race. The last thing you want is to be distracted by sore feet in new shoes.

5. Don’t compare yourself to others: Everyone participates for their own reasons. Respect that and stay focused on why you’re there. Whether it’s the 5K or the 15K, the half marathon or the 8K, you’re wheeling with a friend or walking with a stroller, make it a point to enjoy the experience. The weather’s great, it’s a terrific

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cause and you’re doing it! How cool is that?

6. Be nice. Thousands of people of all ages turn out for this event. For some, it will be their first time; others are veterans.

Have fun. Be patient. Breathe.

Share in the excitement. Be an ambassador for running and remind yourself that you’re all here for the same reason: to support the community and raise money for charity.

One final point: The crew behind the 2018 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic thanks you for participating and wishes to remind you to please remain silent during the national anthem.

Going the distance

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BY TOM WUCKOVICH TIMES CORRESPONDENT

The Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic, in its four decades, has raised millions for Tampa charities.

The old saying goes that “charity begins at home,� but it took to the streets of Tampa over 41 years ago in the form of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic and it’s on course to continue as one of the city’s most successful avenues for charitable causes.

“Each and every one of these entities are crucial to our continued success,� she said. “Without their support and what they do, we wouldn’t be able to do what we

do. We’re proud to be associated with all of them and we hope to continue these relationships for many more years to come.�

From its humble beginning as an event to raise money for the Tampa Girls Club in 1977, the event has become a fundraising giant, contributing more than $340,000 last year alone to three main charities and between 20 and 30 local nonprofits, service clubs, school teams and other targeted groups. The Classic has donated a total of roughly $5.1 million to these organizations, with the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and Friends of Tampa Recreation receiving the bulk of the money as designated in the bylaws of the association.

But the race provides other means of fundraising, with runners playing a major part. The Race to Raise Booty program links runners with participating nonprofits during the registration process. Contestants can opt to raise “booty� for BeatNB, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Richard’s Run For Life, sponsored by the Gonzmart Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer; and Metropolitan Ministries, which was added to this year’s roster of charities.

Donations also can be made to one of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Association’s Charity Partners by participants who choose to register online.

Aside from the event’s fiscal benefits, its individual races include special programs designed to encourage and assist local youth, such as the Cigna Kids’ Running Program and the Publix Too Good For Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic. Both programs focus on positive experiences for kids. The Publix event is free and kids 2 through 10 get to share in the same type of activities as those enjoyed by the grownups.

The City of Tampa Recreation Department oversees the Cigna Kids’ Running Program. Up to 300 children in middle school are trained to run the final two miles of the half marathon, helping them to become active and engaged in their community. Susan Harmeling, executive director of the association, is enthusiastic about the contributions of the sponsors, volunteers, race participants, community and the city.

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, February 18, 2018 |

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The race:

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The 2018 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic has become a part of Tampa Bay’s story. Its level of participation, accomplishments, and history are woven into the very fiber that makes this region – and this race – something special. Here are some other reasons:

Building stronger kids

BY TOM WUCKOVICH TIMES CORRESPONDENT

The Cigna Kids’ Running Program brings more than 350 kids together to instill habits for healthy lives.

Goals: We all need them. Success: We all want it. These important themes are the foundation of the Cigna Kids’ Running Program, a long-running feature of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic that involves more than 300 middle-school students from inner-city and economically challenged neighborhoods throughout the Tampa Bay area.

The team-building event is a fun way to get kids moving and give them the means to do it.

The program also teaches important life skills that will help the youngsters develop a more healthy, safe and balanced lifestyle that they can carry into adulthood. Goals of the program include attending all of the training sessions, attending school regularly with no absences, fostering a good attitude, being polite and respectful; and ultimately, working as a team.

For six weeks, the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department staff conducts fitness drills and life goals training, introducing the kids to running and the concept that being fit can be fun. It is a well-known fact that obesity in children 10

| Sunday, February 18, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

In 2017

32,000

Race participation this year (2018) is expected to reach 32,000 with twice that number expected to attend the Health & Fitness Expo

local Austin Richmond won the 15K (46:57) and was the local half marathon (1:09:17) winner too.

He ran away with $4,000 in prize money.

1978

Since 1978, the same small, loyal group of runners have participated n every Gasparilla Classic and they’re back this year!

and adolescents is a serious issue, with many health and social consequences that often continue later in life.

If those goals are met, the group will reap the rewards by completing the final two miles of the 2018 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon on Sunday morning, Feb. 25, on Bayshore Boulevard. Before they participate in the race, the group will work several of the Half Marathon aid stations, cheer for and motivate runners on their way to the finish line and then, as a unit, they will run the final two miles. At the end of the run, the kids will receive their own Cigna Kids’ Running Program Finisher’s Medal and Cigna Kids’ Running Program Finisher’s Certificate.

Publix Super Markets, Cigna, Kellogg’s, DICK’S Sporting Goods and Under Armour will provide each young participant with an Under Armour/ PGDC Kid’s Running Program T-shirt, a pair of Under Armour running shoes and a pair of Gasparilla pirate-themed running socks for their efforts.

1980 1999

In 1980, 26-year-old Greta Waitz of Norway was the first woman to run a 15K in under 50 minutes ( 48:01). She won a total of six 15K races in the GDC

In 1999, the GDC organization stopped paying runners to run, Charitable contributions went Race medals for from $1,624,000 the 2018 Michelob (1978-1998) to Ultra challenges $3,466,000 The 1978 inaugural (1999-2017). measure 5 inches Gasparilla Distance in diameter Classic (GDC) consisted of only two races – the Temperatures start to warm 15K and the 5K. There were 1,476 runners in the in Florida in February with 15K; 1,011 in the 5K. It was the daytime temperature In 1981, held the same day as in Tampa Bay ranging from Runners World the Gasparilla Invasion a high between 70 and magazine called Parade.

76 degrees F, and a low the Gasparilla between Distance Classic one of the “25 best road races in the U.S.�

2018

1978

1981

51-58° F

Healthy Eating Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Bowl Serves 4

Ingredients 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved 1 large zucchini, sliced Juice of 1 lemon 2 cups water

Prep • • • •

Preheat grill or grill pan.

Halve tomatoes.

Slice zucchini into thirds lengthwise.

Squeeze juice from lemon (2 tablespoons).

Steps

1. Prepare rice following package instructions.

1 cup brown rice 2 1/2 teaspoons canola oil, divided 1 lb chicken fillets 2 teaspoons garlic and herb seasoning, divided

1 large ripe Hass avocado 1 (12-oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained 4 tablespoons crumbled feta (or blue cheese)

2. Coat chicken with 1 teaspoon oil, 1 teaspoon seasoning and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Place on grill; cook 4–5 minutes on each side or until 165°F. Coat zucchini with 1 teaspoon oil and 1/2 teaspoon seasoning; cook 2–3 minutes on each side.

4. Assemble bowls by placing 1/2 cup rice in center of each bowl. Place roasted peppers, avocado, tomato, zucchini and chicken around rice; top with cheese. Serve.

3. Remove avocado flesh from skin; smash with remaining, 1/2 teaspoon seasoning and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Set aside. Cut chicken, roasted peppers and zucchini into bite size pieces.

CALORIES (per 1/4 recipe) 470kcal; FAT 17g; SAT FAT 4g; TRANS FAT 0g; CHOL 70mg; SODIUM 460mg; CARB 47g; FIBER 7g; SUGARS 5g; PROTEIN 30g; VIT A 60%; VIT C 100%; CALC 10%; IRON 15%

Fruit and Nut Muesli 10 servings

Ingredients 1 (2.5-oz) bag dried apple chips 1 cup crispy rice cereal 2 cups rolled oats 1/4 cup flax seeds 1 cup sliced almonds 1 cup shredded coconut flakes 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup canola oil 1/4 cup honey Nonstick Aluminum foil 5 cups plain Greek yogurt, divided 2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, divided (or favorite fruit)

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine all ingredients (except yogurt and

blueberries). Place on a foil lined baking sheet.

2. Bake 10–12 minutes; stirring halfway through. Remove from oven and stir. Let stand 30 minutes to cool; place in airtight container until ready to serve.

3. Assemble by placing 1/2 cup yogurt in serving bowl; topping with 3/4 cup muesli and 1/4 cup blueberries.

CALORIES (per 1/10 recipe) 390kcal; FAT 18g; SAT FAT 4.5g; TRANS FAT 0g; CHOL 5mg; SODIUM 90mg; CARB 42g; FIBER 5g; SUGARS 22g; PROTEIN 17g; VIT A 2%; VIT C 15%; CALC 15%; IRON 15%

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, February 18, 2018 |

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