Movin' it with Michelle

My weekend was all over the place in regards to emotional highs, lows, and everything in between. Although I’ll keep the reasoning behind my roller coaster a bit vague, I will say I have learned from the events and feel better for it. It’s all about moving forward, right?

Friday night was a quiet night filled with Netflix and relaxing after a yummy night of sushi. (Sushi is carbloading too, right? lol). It would be an early night for both the hubby and I as he had his reserve duty weekend and I had a long run in the wee hours of the morning. I got all my gear set out, battled with some tummy issues, and drank some water before bed. I woke up at 5:45 am, battled with some more tummy issues and finally got dressed and headed to run club. My friend Deb agreed to slow her pace and run my scheduled 13 miles with me. YAY!

The first half of our run was pretty uneventful despite me having to stop several times to stretch out my ITB that was pulling hard on my right knee. We laughed, talked, and laughed some more. Halfway through we stopped to take a selfie with the Fox River in the background.

The second half of our run was a bit tougher with some really strong winds on our faces, but we kept pushing forward. We finished strong, and celebrated with coffee (her) and pomegranate lemonade for me. I even splurged and had a breakfast sandwich on an ‘everything’ bagel. YUM.

I spent the rest of the day with my daughter’s, and we shopped til we dropped at “Once Upon a Child, “Plato’s Closet,” and Clothes Mentor” stocking up for our warmer weather wardrobe. We all found some really cute items, and everyone came out with smiles, especially my bank account. Gotta love consignment shopping!

Today was chores, food prep and Sunday Supper. I made my own protein smoothies and stored them in previously used water bottles! Recycling=Winning! The smoothies were simple.

Berry Mocha Smoothie

1/2 cup of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries

3 scoops of chocolate protein powder

16 ounces of water

Liquefy in a blender, and strain out the seeds. Transfer to the bottles and refrigerate

Banana Strawberry Chocolate Smoothie

1 cup of strawberries

2 bananas

3 scoops of protein powder

16 ounces of water

Liquefy in a blender, and strain out the seeds. Transfer to the bottles and refrigerate

I also spent time organizing my groceries after shopping, getting everything prepped and ready for the week. I am battling the scale and my marathon weight gain, NOW.

I'm ready for the week! — I’m ready for the week!

Tonight’s Sunday Supper was a simple pork roast in the crock poat with roasted veggies.

Pork Roast in a crock pot

Season pork roast with kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder and season salt. Sear the roast on all sides in a cast iron skillet and set aside.

In your crock pot, add on can of tomato puree, 2 cups of unsalted chicken or veggie stock, roughly chop 1 carrot, 1 onion, 2 stocks of celery and 3 cloves of garlic. Also add in 2 bay leaves (remove later) and Italian seasoning to taste. Add your roast to the crock pot, and cook on low for 6 hours.

While my roast was making magic in the crock pot I decided to go for a walk to stretch my legs. My daughters even joined me, YAY!

Roasted Veggies

1 cup string beans

1 shallot-sliced

1 sweet potato-julienned

1/2 cup of Shitake mushrooms-sliced

2 cloves of garlic finely sliced

Place in a bowel, and toss with 1 teaspoon coconut oil, 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and chives. I also added some grated parmesan cheese for a little bite! Roast at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Now after a weekend filled with more time on my feet than I care to admit, I am going to retire to my couch!

How was your week? Do you food prep for the week? What’s your favorite smoothie flavor?

Have a great week, y’all!

❤ Michelle

Friday Favs

April 17, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t posted a Friday Favs post in a while, and am in the middle of a wretched case of writer’s block so thought, why not!

Here’s some of my favorite things lately…

Running outside in a tank top and running shorts/skirt. The wind in my hair, the sun on my face and actually feeling sweaty. Gross, right? LOL

Longer days and warmer temps. It’s so wonderful being able to drive home from work and still have time to pick up my kids, go running, and cook dinner all before sunset. Winning!

Being a Mom comes with drama, but J is back in school full days, and S continues to give us a run for our money in regards to her “free spirited” nature at school. The hubby went to S’s parent teacher conference yesterday, and just when we thought she was improving in regards to focusing at school, we were given a rude awakening. Ultimately they are healthy and happy (for the most part) so I really shouldn’t complain.

My training is now half way done for the Grandma’s marathon. Well, it will be once I complete my long run and strength training this weekend. Hard to believe how quickly the training has gone by, and am looking forward to running with my friend D for my long run tomorrow. That 15 miler last weekend was TOUGH alone, so the company will be welcomed with open arms.

That wraps it up for my Friday Favs. What’s your favorite weather to run in? Are you training for anything in particular?

Have a great weekend, y’all!! Keep Movin’ Forward!

❤ Michelle

Uncategorized

Monday Motivation

April 13, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Last night I was woken up at 3 am to loud claps of thunder and lightening. Really?? Am I really doomed to never ending late night wake ups? Lol! I went to work tired…but happy none the less.

But I was also a bit nervous. I had my mammogram scheduled for after work and these exams always make me nervous having lost my maternal Grandmother to Breast cancer.

Lol or not.

My results will be back in a week or so. Fingers crossed for a normal result. My dermatology appointment on Thursday will wrap up my plethora of annual exams and I’ll breath easy finally.

My motivation for all these exams? To be around as long as possible for my family. <3. Plain and simple.

I finished a nice walk while my youngest was at ballet and day two of Ab Ripper X. All I can say is OUCH.

Lol!

Ladies-are you good about keeping up with your annual exams? What’s your favorite core workout?

Hope your Monday was awesome!

Have a great week, yall!!

💗 Michelle

marathon training, Recipes

Refocusing and a recipe

April 12, 2015April 12, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

So wow…I haven’t blogged in a week. My goal of 2-3 times of posting per week was shot last week. And I’m totally ok with that.

Why?

Well, because I’ve realized I’ve spent far too much time engulfed in the virtual world that I lost site of what matters most. What’s that? Why family of course. MY family. ❤

So with that, I’ve spent more time reaching out, hanging out, and hugging my kids just a little tighter. Most nights we are wrapped up in blankets on the couch watching previous episodes of “Once upon a time” on Netflix…TOGETHER. And it wasn’t always this way. Before my daughter’s accident, more times than not we would all go our separate ways after dinner. But now, we nearly rush to spend our evenings together most nights.

My training is also back on track, and I managed to log 26 miles last week, which is a distance PB for 2015. I had my 15 miler on Saturday, and it mentally jarred me, briefly…I had forgotten how hard a long run can be, especially when your only distraction is YOU. No one to talk the miles away with, just you, and the road. My first few miles truly SUCKED. No pretty way around it, but I kept going. I’d stop to stretch every few miles, and at miles 6 and 11 I fueled with my Chia HUMA gels. Just when I wanted to quit, I looked back on my first marathon and how hard it was and how badly I wanted to quit. But I had my awesome sister with me, cheering me on every step and I could hear her voice in my head as I plugged along the middle of my run. Mile 11 I started to really fade as I had run out of Nuun and the temps were getting REALLY warm for how I was dressed. (It was 38 degrees when I started and finished up at a balmy 61 degrees). Then Andrea, Carolyn and my hubby shot me texts and suddenly the spring came back to my step and I took off. 15 miles? DONE. And with the help of 7 cardinals, 2 blue birds, and countless squirrels and chipmunks that cheered me on for 2 1/2 hours, LOL!

Mentally one of my toughest runs this year.

We booked our family vacation for the summer today, and I am SOOOOO excited. We are headed to Marco Island, Florida for 5 glorious days. We haven’t had a real vacation (we like our Chicago/Michigan staycations, though!) in 3 years, so this is long overdue.

So today I spent the afternoon meal prepping and making healthy snacks. (Gotta get beach body ready! lol) I made Kale chips (not sure how I feel about them, yet lol) and spicy chickpeas to keep handy. Here’s the chickpea recipe:

Spicy Chickpeas

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Rinse and dry two large cans of chickpeas

Place the chickpeas in a large bowl, and add the following seasonings:

1 teaspoon Tumeric

1 teaspoon Garlic powder

1 teaspoon Cumin

1 teaspoon smoked Paprika

Kosher salt

Toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes, tossing every 20 minutes. YUM!

How was your week? Do you take regular vacations? What’s your favorite healthy snack? Have a great week, y’all!

❤ Michelle

marathon training, Recipes

Weekend wrap up

April 5, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Happy Easter, y’all! Although I am not one to go to a brick and mortar church very often, I do have a very strong faith and have always appreciated the meaning behind Easter. I pray you all had a wonderful Easter weekend.

Mine started out with a bang. Or a clunk more so…for the last several days I’ve heard/felt a grinding in my brakes. I took my Jeep to the shop after work on Friday only to find out I needed to replace my rear rotors and brakes. Ouch. Bye Bye pay check. Oh well, better safe than sorry right?

Saturday was long run day, and the day we’d celebrate Easter with my immediate family. I set my alarm and hit the trails with my friends for my 14 mile run. I felt little nags and aches but managed to finish this run rather strong after allowing myself a couple walk breaks and several breaks to stretch. My ITB continues to be a B@#%! but I won’t let it stop me. I will however foam roll daily moving forward.

I haven't ran with these two in a while, so it was great to meet up with Melissa and Pat for some miles! — I haven’t ran with these two in a while, so it was great to meet up with Melissa and Pat for some miles!

Isn't ALWAYS about having fun? I think so... — Isn’t ALWAYS about having fun? I think so…

After my run, I came home and made my traditional bacon and eggs. ALL TIME favorite post run food. Then I hopped in the shower and headed to my sister’s house. It felt so nice to be with everyone and I of course got emotional when we got there.

My J, and my niece! <3 — My J, and my niece! ❤

My sis and Mom. Gorgeous right?! <3 — My sis and Mom. Gorgeous right?! ❤

Today was a nice and quiet day at home. We got up early, hunted for eggs and cleaned the house. Not very Easterly I know, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do!

I made a yummy and easy Easter dinner of spiraled ham, mashed potatoes and amazing roasted parmesan carrots.

Roasted Parmesan carrots

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Peel and slice 5 carrots into 1/4-1/2 inch discs.

Slice half a red onion

Mince two cloves of garlic

Grate 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese

Toss everything in a bowl with extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste

Place on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil and sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, in a single layer if possible.

Roast at 375 degrees for about 25-30 minutes

DELISH!

This week I have a doctor and dental appointment, ugh. Joys of aging, right? But, speaking of doctors, J is healing slowly but surely and we are hoping she can return to school in the next week or two. Thanks for the continued prayers.

How was your Easter? Did you have a long run this weekend? What’s your favorite veggie?

Keep Movin’ Forward, y’all!

❤ Michelle

Three things, Thursday

Three Things Thursday

April 2, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

1. I’ve managed to start running again after missing a couple runs last week. My outdoor run on Tuesday was quickly kaboshed with drama at home, but I got a 5K done on the dreadmill regardless. I also learned that running while emotional/crying is NOT easy. Mad running is much more enjoyable because the anger melts away. Sadness? Well, it sticks around longer with me unfortunately. Wednesday was a new day, thankfully and I shared a gloriously sunny and windy 4 miler OUTSIDE after work with my hubby.

2. Remember me telling you that I was prescribed sleeping pills and that they worked? I lied. By Tuesday I felt completely medicine heady, and was not sleeping again. NOT sleeping WHILE taking sleeping pills isn’t a pretty site. Yesterday I was near tears I was so tired so I skipped my nightly dose and decided being tired was much better than feeling drugged AND tired. Someone pass me a caffeinated beverage….please.

3. I haven’t cooked ONCE this week. I haven’t felt like it, to be honest. Ack. I need to get back at it because I haven’t cataloged a recipe in weeks, and that’s bad.

Despite an off week, I am trying to keep a positive mantra. Spring is on it’s way, and temps are rising outside! YIPPEE!!

How’s your fitness this week? How many hours do you normally sleep each night? What’s your favorite mid week meal to prepare at home?

❤ Michelle

marathon training, Uncategorized

Restarting

March 30, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Well, it finally hit me. Exhaustion, sleep deprivation and mountains of emotional overload left me with nothing left in the tank this past weekend.

Normally I run through the pain, be it emotional or physical, but this weekend I hit a wall. My right foot was aching because I just HAD to wear those pretty shoes I bought at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago. They of course had no arch support, so I was left with a very tender right arch. Strike one.

I haven’t slept well, well…in several years. I finally bit the bullet and went to the doctor last week, and when I told him my normal nights’ sleep, he nearly gasped. He prescriped me some sleeping aids and I ~~nearly~~ hugged him. I couldn’t keep functioning on 1 hour of sleep at a time. So I took my first sleeping aid Friday night, and slept for NINE hours straight. It was glorious. I didn’t realize how tired I truly was, but the process was repeated Saturday night. YAY for sleep!!! So THIS is what people are talking about in regards to the saying “A good night sleep.” WOW. But with all that sleep, also came the realization how tired my body is. After grocery shopping on Sunday, I was beat. I’m not sure if it was the Chiberian winds that decided to kick up, the 20 degree real feel temerature drop from the afternoon before, or my aching foot-but stick a fork in me, I was DONE. So I skipped my long run, and took a nap on the couch instead. Strike 2. Sorry, just keeping it real here.

Sadly this was ME for a very long time!!!

I read so many blogs filled with PR’s and constant ‘good training weeks’ that I started to really question myself. Am I the only one who is really struggling some days/weeks with training for a marathon while balancing the rest of my life? Not that I’d wish anyone to struggle, quite the contrary in fact. I LOVE reading everyone’s success stories. But it has sparked a little bit of doubt in my confidence being so early in to my training and already finding myself so tired…Strike 3.

Wait. I’m not out…

After a quick slap to the noggin’ I reminded myself that a lot has been going on these last few months, and things will even out. I got this!

So here’s to a new week, with more miles and lots of laughter!

How do you deal with training hiccups? Have you ever missed a long run while training for a long distance race?

Have a great week, y’all!! ❤

Michelle

Uncategorized

She’s going to be ok and starting over, all wrapped up in one!

March 26, 2015March 26, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

First off, I’d like to send a huge shout out to all of you that have reached out to us since the accident. This week J has been home healing, resting, and slowing getting back to her old self with the supervision of her amazing Dad, aka my hubby (I sadly had to return to work last week). She’s gone through several doctor appointments, testing, and observation and so far she seems to slowing be getting back to being her good ole snarky self. She snapped at her younger sister today, so I’d say that is a huge sign of healing LOL!

So when I titled this post, “She’s going to be ok” it’s not just for my daughter. Yup…I’m talking about myself too. Why? Well, because I can honestly say seeing your child go through something like this, is truly life changing. Heart stopping. Tonight as I dried her hair after her shower (forgive me but I will truly miss this once she’s back to 100%) we talked about life altering events, tough times, and things that made us stronger. “I’m a fighter, right Mom?” to which I smiled. “Yes, baby…you are. You come from a long line of fighters.” It felt good to share some of my hard times with her so that she could better understand my ‘tough’ side that comes out sometimes far too often. But she gets it now, and I can say that this accident has brought us a little (even maybe a lot) closer. It’s all about silver linings, right?

Obviously I didn’t get to run more than my long run last week, and in doing so I strained my ITB so I gave myself a few days break. I walked last night, and ran a 5K today on my dreadmill because me + 20 mph winds don’t jive. It feels good to be picking up where I left off, and it went a little like this….

I also got the new Huma Chia gels I ordered for my longer runs. I’ve tried them twice during my long runs and have FINALLY found a fuel that doesn’t tear up my stomach. They are 100% natural, and gluten free for any of you fellow tummy issue long distance runners.

Tomorrow I go to the doctor for my first check up since my retirement from the Air Force physical, in 2011. I’ve been to the doctor once in the last 4 years, and that was an urgent care clinic because I developed an ear infection from swimming in a pool. Those that know me know that I don’t go to the doc unless I am nearly dying, because more times that not I don’t need to, or I can heal myself. Needless to say, I am terrified. I work in a hospital, and I see far too much sickness. Well wishes appreciated!!!

With that, it’s time to wrap things up. I again appreciate all of your amazing thoughts and prayers.

What’s on your agenda this week? What is your fuel of choice for runs over 6 miles?

❤

Michelle

marathon training, Recipes, Sunday Supper

Weekend wrap up

March 23, 2015March 23, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I’ll start this post with the fact that I was supposed to be on weekend duty at the hospital. Once every 5 weeks I am deemed in charge of the entire laboratory and it’s mind blowing and scary all at one time. BUT..my amazing peer and friend offered to take my duty knowing I should be home resting with my daughter, and not enduring unneeded stress. I couldn’t thank her enough, so left her a card and a Starbucks gift card on her desk for the weekend. Good friends truly rock.

We had a very quiet weekend filled with normal housework, laundry, and snuggles. I’ve learned a hard lesson that I’ve wasted far too much time stressing over cleaning and mundane chores. So it’s been glorious snuggling up with my girls to watch a show, or take an extra 20 minutes after my J’s shower to brush and dry her hair. No…I’m never too busy for that.

This morning I had 12 miles on deck and had planned to run the miles with my friend Debra. She texted me early at 7 am notifying me the stomach bug from hell was still in the house. Crap. I knew Janel was meeting me for a couple miles, but could I do 12 on my own? You’re darn right I can, and had the help from Melissa, Seth and Janel for the first couple miles, and my sister texting me at mile 10 that I better run faster so I could be DONE faster, LOL! It worked, I finished my last mile in 8:45 with an over all average pace of 10:06.

I came home, made some bacon and eggs, and took a very long shower as I was frozen to the core. Despite the 30 degree temps, the wind-chill made it feel more like 17 degrees and I. WAS. COLD. After my shower I crawled in to J’s bed, and we watched Netflix for 30 minutes. It’s SOOOO good to see her on the mend, and able to do more ‘stuff’ each day.

Sunday Supper rolled around and I decided to make fish tacos with homemade guacamole and red cabbage slaw with a side of twice baked beans and roasted veggies.

Guacamole

3 avocados

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 plum tomato, chopped

1/4 red onion, diced

juice of half a lime

Seasonings: kosher salt, pepper, cilantro, cayenne pepper to taste

Combine in a food processor-pulse until mixed well, but still chunky

Red Cabbage Slaw

3 cups of red cabbage, thinly sliced

1/4 red onion

juice of 1/2 lime

splash of vegetable oil/rice wine vinegar

Seasonings: salt, pepper, and cilantro

Twice baked beans

In a sauce pan add one can of red beans, one can of black beans that have been drained and rinsed

Add 1 clove of garlic, 1/4 cup of diced poblano peppers, and salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to taste. Heat until tender, and transfer to your food processor. Puree on high, then transfer to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and toppings of choice. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or until cheese has melted.

The rest is pretty cut and dry. I roasted my carrots and red peppers for 25 minutes at 375 degrees and grilled my fish for the tacos. All in all? Delish, and healthy.

While on my run today I was reminded of so many things. Why I love to run, how thankful I am for the support my family has, and that we need to focus on those that lift us up, not those who tear us down. And for a moment, I felt myself nearly flying.

How was your week? Log any miles? Make any good food?

Keep Movin’ forward, y’all!

❤ Michelle

moving forward, Recipes

Lesson’s learned

March 22, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

If you read my last post, you read of my daughter’s life threatening accident. This past week has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups, downs, and more emotional strain than I think I have ever experienced. But in these last few days, I’ve also learned many lessons that I believe will help me be a better Mom, Wife, friend, and person in general.

Firstly, the old cliché that “Life is short” became very real to me this week. I had flashes of losing my daughter more times than I can count, and moving forward I will truly do my best to embrace EACH DAY. I won’t nag my youngest about housework when she wants to put on a fashion show, or worry about whether or not I’ve perfectly folded the tee-shirts and socks. I will spend MORE time living, and less time worrying about meaningless crap.

Doesn't my dog look thrilled? LOL — Doesn’t my dog look thrilled? LOL

Secondly, I was reminded how very important being kind is this week. Be it a phone call, a text message, A fruit basket in the hospital, a card in the mail or flowers for my daughter ALL these acts of kindness helped ease my stress. And in receiving such amazing support, I’ve been given the gentle reminder that support goes both ways. I’ve often let a busy life be an excuse for not reaching out…well, no more.

Thirdly, the saying “Laughter is the best medicine” really IS true. J needed help in bathing again today, and as I helped her get dressed she smiled. Just an hour prior she was irritable and grumpy (expected side effects of the injury and medications she is on), so her smile was welcomed. I offered her my gel deodorant to use, so she took it gently and applied it under her arms. “It feels funny,” she said, and then started laughing. It was a gentle, quiet laugh to which she said, “I don’t even know why I’m laughing.” I just smiled with tears in my eyes. What music to my ears it was to hear her laugh.

Lastly, do what you love, and love what you do. Having been in the hospital for half the week, and the other half just plain exhausted I haven’t cooked or been running. So tonight my hubby and I tag teamed dinner. He was on grill duty, and I made some yummy sweet potato and red pepper mash. I don’t have an exact recipe, but here goes:

Sweet potato and Red pepper Mash

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 red pepper, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Seasonings: crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons of butter

Boil the potatoes in water until fork tender. Reserve about a cup of the water. While the potatoes are boiling, sauté the garlic, peppers and crushed red pepper flakes for 5-7 minutes until tender. (I sauté in extra virgin olive oil over medium to high heat-drain grease)

Combine everything to include the seasonings in to a food processor, and add the reserved water little by little to ensure the taters don’t get runny.

Tomorrow I’ll hit the trails running with my dear friend for a nice 13 mile run. There will more than likely be tears, laughter, more tears, and much needed release of stress. But my miles will be dedicated to my daughter, as she is the toughest little fighter I’ve ever met, and I am so blessed to have her in my life.

Thanks everyone, for your continued love, prayers, and support. We are movin’ forward!!!

xoxo!

❤ Michelle

Author: Movin' it with Michelle

Weekend Wrap up/Marathon training week 9 complete!

Friday Favs

Monday Motivation

Refocusing and a recipe

Weekend wrap up

Three Things Thursday

Restarting

She’s going to be ok and starting over, all wrapped up in one!

Weekend wrap up

Lesson’s learned

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