running – Page 6 – Movin' it with Michelle

A week of reflection and a recipe!

March 23, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I spent last week at home since I am in between jobs…I was able to get my kids to the bus, come home, and….DO WHATEVER I WANTED!!! Wow, I can see why stay at home Mom’s choose this profession, because although of course it is HARD work to keep up with the kids and maintain a household, you have a glorious freedom while you are kids are at school. As someone who has worked my entire adult life, I have always had to juggle career along WITH the kids and house…so this mini-break has truly renewed me. I kept up with the house work, cooking, kids, and even was able to run 3 times last week. YES!!!
My longest run of the week was on Friday, where we here in the Chicago land area were BLESSED with true spring temps of high 50’s…I couldn’t pass up squeezing in my longish run of 6.2 miles for the week. It was a tough run, but I pushed myself hard and didn’t quit…

Capri's for the first time this year!! — Capri’s for the first time this year!!

One of my quickest 10K's.... — One of my quickest 10K’s….

The rest of our weekend was quite busy, trying to squeeze in overdue dental appointments, getting things organized around the house, and honestly just spending time together as a family unit. I’ve truly been blessed through difficult times to have a family that has been close knit.

So tonight I decided to cook my husband’s favorite for dinner, pork crown roast…
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and pre-heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Season your roast with kosher salt, pepper, hickory salt, and season salt. Add a few tablespoons of grape seed oil to your skillet, and sear the roast on all sides. Transfer to a baking sheet that has been lined with aluminum foil, and bake at 350 degrees until the core temp reaches 150 degrees. Let rest for 15 minutes once done, covering with foil, until core temp reaches 160 degrees.
While your roast is cooking, it’s time to prepare your reduction. In a wide sauce pan, add in 2 cups of veggie stock with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Combine well with a whisk, and set your heat to medium high. Bring to a slow boil, add salt, pepper, half of an onion diced, 2 cloves of garlic, smashed, and a pinch of cayenne pepper and lemon grass. Add in 2 cups of red wine and a cup of black berries – let simmer, reducing by half – about 30 minutes. Strain the mixture, reserving all the liquid and discarding the onions, garlic, berries…add in one more cup of red wine, and let simmer another 30 minutes, stirring often. To finish, add in one pat of butter, and whisk thoroughly.

Red wine-blackberry reduction simmering!

I served our roast with sautéed asparagus and mushrooms and along with roasted garlic quinoa!

Yup...think dinner was a hit...LOL — Yup…think dinner was a hit…LOL

Hope you are all having a great weekend.

Question-how many days per week do you run? (Me, typically 3-4 max to save my knees)

Question-what are your favorite side dishes?

❤ Michelle

dedication, food, goals, moving forward, running

Hey guess what? Two things Tuesday…

March 19, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I woke up Monday morning literally feeling SICK. I realize I have the worst patience ON. THE. PLANET. And the waiting was killing me. My stomach hurt, my head hurt, but I KNEW I needed to get out of the house and run. Just a mile. Just ONE mile. It had been a week since I’d last ran, and the need outweighed the want ten fold.
So after taking my daughter to school, I allowed myself a teeny nap to try and recharge. It was too cold for me at 9 am (13 degrees, WHA?) so I tried to rest with no luck…
So I got up, had lunch, and texted a friend I knew would prompt me to get outside. Just as I was putting on my headband my phone rang….Yup, you guessed it…I GOT THE JOB!!!! It wasn’t a picture perfect offer, but an offer it was and I snatched it up quickly. As of 31 March I will again be gainfully employed.
I grabbed my Ipod, and headed out the door to get my mile in. I felt giddy and decided I was not going to stress over $$ and just be thankful I had a job lined up. I ran 1.4 miles. Far? No…but I wasn’t just running my neighborhood, I was running OFF the negative crap I allowed myself to get sucked in to. I decided to run as fast as I could (without passing out of course). I ran a 8:54 mile, and the second .4 at 8:38. I left it all out there.

Today, I got up and got my youngest ready for school, did pre-employment paperwork, and headed out for my planned 5 miler at around noon. It was cut short due to stepping in a 6 inch deep puddle filled with freezing water, but I managed just over 4.4 miles regardless. It was a tough run, and I realize the time off I took this winter due to injury/personal issues/polar vortex weather has set me back some. But I kept moving, and allowed myself rest bits to take pics.

One of my favorite bridges on the Fox River trails

I was able to keep my miles under a 10 minute pace, but it was NOT easy. My legs were heavy, my breathing off, and guess what? I had a freakin’ blast out there all my lonesome finding cheer leaders along the way between wild life and fellow runners.

Tonight I cooked a simple dinner of curry mango chicken served over pad Thai noodles with a veggie stir fry. I took the help from the store as I am trying to find easier week night meals. I marinated/sautéed my chicken in this yummy sauce purchased at Target:

While the chicken marinated, I chopped veggies…use whatever you like! I used shitake mushrooms, half of a red onion, 2 cups of snow peas, 2 large carrots, and 2 cloves of garlic. Set this aside in a bowl…

20 minutes before you are ready to eat, sauté the chicken in a non stick pan with the marinate. Warm 6 cups of water in a pot, but don’t boil. Just have it ‘hot’ which will precook your pad thai noodles. 10 minutes out, drop in your noodles, and stir fry your veggies in grapeseed oil…add salt, pepper, and low sodium soy sauce. For the last 2 minutes, add in your drained noodles, toss and serve. This meal was easy, and quite the hit.

My two things, Tuesday, are this:

Faith…always keep the faith. Even in the darkest hour, and when things don’t always turn out how you may have planned. The man upstairs has bigger plans for us, and we need to take the opportunities he bestows upon us.

Passion…keep your passions in life, even when others may not understand why you do what you do. Even when you may not have time, make the time to do what you love, and do it daily. It will only give you added strength and drive to keep moving forward. For me, my passions are inspiring others, cooking, running, and of course my family and friends.

Keep Movin’ forward gang…allow yourself bad days, but know always tomorrow is a new day to start anew. My heartfelt thanks for all of you amazing support.

dedication, food, moving forward, running

Weekend wrap up

March 10, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t ran at all this week. I did manage to get two nice walks in, but haven’t ran at all…hmmm, I believe a pattern has been developing this winter, and I am SOOO over the dark (YAY DST), the cold, and the snow. It was pretty the first couple months of winter, and I admit there is a serene beauty in the air after a snow fall.
But it’s March 9th. It needs to be GONE. Who agrees? Sorry Kim, if you are reading this I know you feel completely opposite of me! 🙂
We’re still waiting to hear about the job I interviewed for last week, and I’ve been on pins and needles with anxiety. We stayed close to home this weekend, and watched the movie, Gravity on Friday night. Still on the fence as to how I feel about it. The plot lacked, characters were sparse, and the ending left me wanting more…
Saturday we cleaned house, did laundry and ran errands picking up our weekly items from Target and Caputos (local grocery store I LOVE). My oldest had a sleep over Saturday, so I cooked a nice roast and we all watched the movie Catching Fire. GREAT movie, that left me totally stoked for the 3rd one to come out. I may even have to read the book because I just don’t want to wait. LOL
Today was run day, coupled with cooking not only for my husband’s work tomorrow, but a yummy meal for our family dinner. Many have asked for my Polish Sausage soup recipe, so here it is!

Michelle’s Polish Sausage and Potato soup
Ingredients:
1 package of polish sausage
1 ½ boxes of low sodium stock
1-2 cans diced tomatoes (low salt) (keep juice)
1 can kidney beans-rinsed and drained
1 can black beans-rinsed and drained
1 green, red, and yellow pepper-chopped
1 head of garlic-minced
2 large (or 4 small) red potatoes, chopped
2 stocks of celery, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
2 teaspoons-herbs de Provence.
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons Cumin (save one for right before serving)
1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons of dry cilantro
Couple dashes of Hot Sauce (whichever brand you prefer)
A couple splashes of liquid smoke
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Cook ALL ingredients in your crock pot, and cook on high for 4 hours, turn on low for the last two hours.
Just before serving, I give a couple dashes of Cumin and stir well.
Serve with yummy crusty bread, and ENJOY!!

I threw all this into the crock pot and headed out for my run. I had a 5K in my head as far as distance goals, but really wanted to push myself. Here is my recap from dailymile.com
I’ve lost my running mojo recently; I think it was misplaced during the second or third rash of Polar Vortex’ish weather…

So today despite 17 mph head winds, I laced up my shoes (because I said I would!) and ran…the first mile was tough (as it always is for me) but my goal to keep under 10 minute miles was successful clocking my first mile at 9:31. My second mile started to feel better, but the wind was making it tough to keep my breathing steady…managed to squeak by a negative split with a 9:30 second mile. Third mile I began to forget I was running…oh that glorious feeling I normally only get on the trails when that euphoric bliss comes over you and it’s almost as if you are flying…another negative split with a 9:13 third mile. I started to run out of gas in the 4th mile but wasn’t going to quit now…”Overcomer” by Mandisa came on my IPod, and it was just what I needed to give me that extra push. Forth mile clocked at…wait for it…8:48!!!!!!!! My fasted mile this winter! Last .4 averaged a 8:44, and I am quite pleased I didn’t listen to those voices in my head that said “stay in your jammies.”
I finished with an average 9:13 pace, which is darn amazing for my lack of running this winter.

Hope you all had an amazing weekend!

food, goals, moving forward, running

Finding my peace…again.

February 17, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

As most of you, it has been a rough time for me lately. I tell myself over, and over, and over again that it WILL get better, and life will sort itself out. It always does, when we keep the faith….right? Sometimes these conversations with myself can get a little heated. But I just can’t give up at this point in my life…

So Friday night I texted Andrea to see if she could run with me on Sunday. She too works crazy hours, but quickly said, “I hate you.” Followed by a reminder that she did heart me…lol

So it went like this…
We met up at Fabyan Windmill in Batavia for our scheduled 6 miler. I am semi-training for my half marathon in May by easing my mileage up, slowly…

The trails were covered with snow, but the beauty of the river brought me immediate peace.

A mile and a half in, Andrea got a bloody nose…seems all of our runs have some sort of tragedy that we overcome…asthma attacks, falls, and now blood. This run has been named #bloodrun2014 lovingly.

We did learn that snow makes for a great packing material to get the bleeding to stop…#whoknew

bloody snot rockets...never a dull moment in a dedicated runner's life! — bloody snot rockets…never a dull moment in a dedicated runner’s life!

I offered to turn around, but she was determined to keep going…we got the bleeding to stop, and kept going.

Of course no run is complete without cartwheels, yet mine was a bit scary…

While heading back into downtown Batavia, we ran into Karen from Trading in my heels. How awesome it was to see her lovely smile.

And why is it, I ALWAYS choose the toughest path on the trails…this was about 4-5 inches of snow…whoops…I called it #crosstraining lol

We had about a mile to go, and I am so glad I took the time to look around and enjoy the beauty of the Fox River trails….looks like we had a visitor! I was so excited to capture this picture!

We finished strong, and my heart and soul felt a peaceful easy feeling of release…

I came home happy, and finished some housework, and allowed myself an hour to lay on the couch and relax.

Dinner consisted of Mediterranean inspired stuffed pork chops and sautéed veggies. Super easy, and healthy…

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
Season your (thick cut) pork chops with salt and pepper, and butterfly them down the middle. Set aside
For the stuffing:
In a sauté pan heat 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, and lightly brown 6 mushrooms and 2 cloves of garlic. Season with Mediterranean oregano.
Drain the excess oil and place in a bowl. Add in one container of fat free Mediterranean feta cheese and a handful of green olives, chopped. Stir together, and stuff your pork chops, leaving some of the mixture to sprinkle on the top.
Sear each side until golden brown in a cast iron skillet, and transfer to your oven to finish cooking-about 35-40 minutes.

Serve with your favorite veggies, and ENJOY!

This weekend did my heart wonders, and although my alarm will be going off at 3 a.m. tomorrow, I will do my best to hold this joy in my heart this week!

food, moving forward, running

Meatball and veggie soup recipe and running

February 10, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I spent the weekend with my two daughters, embracing fun, shopping, errands, and even housecleaning (to include laundry, ACK). But even though the hubby had reserve duty, I am proud to say my girls were troopers and pitched in with helping around the house.
Both Saturday and Sunday were filled with errands and chores, but we managed to make it fun.
Today, I decided to make a simple soup for dinner, and I am so glad I did after running a very tough and frigid almost 4 miler. I set out today to go for 5 miles, as I did 4 for my longish run last weekend, but the bitter winds slapping me in the face caused me to cut it short….3.8 miles in 37:15. Not my best, but not my worst either.
During this run, I tried….tried so hard to lose myself in the run. But I just couldn’t settle in. I couldn’t lose myself in nature, or my music. So I trucked along, did a second loop in my neighborhood, and finished strong at an average 9:46 pace. I need to get my pace back to under 9:15 or so if I want to run a strong half marathon in May.

For the soup-here is what you’ll need…First, preheat oven to 450, and get your crock pot out and ready.
Meatballs:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb lean pork sausage
2 eggs
1 handful of panko bread crumbs (can omit if preferred)
kosher salt and pepper to taste
pinch of parsley
pinch of cumin
pinch of cayenne pepper

Mix well, and form meatballs. Bake at 450 degrees for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside to rest.

Soup:
1 box of sodium free vegetable stock
Additional 4-6 cups of water
1 medium red onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
4-6 ribs of celery, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
pinch of sage, thyme, cumin, and season with kosher salt and pepper to taste
4-6 splashes of hot sauce
2-3 splashes of liquid smoke

Combine all soup ingredients in your crock pot and cook on high for about 2.5-3 hours, allowing your veggies to still have some crunch. In the last 30 minutes before serving, add your meatballs, and let warm through.

Easy peasy and warms the soul! Enjoy!

dedication, food, goals, moving forward, running, strength

Monday Musings

January 28, 2014January 28, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Monday musings
A forewarning, this post will be all over the place, and probably not full of unicorns, glitter, or butterflies. I caveat that, with the fact that I am FORCING myself to keep moving forward, regardless of the current situation.
I find it almost ironic that just a few weeks ago I posted about the fact that while although I am thankful I have a job, I don’t love my current career. My career was chosen for me by the Air Force, 23 years ago, and during my 20 year career serving in the military I was at least able to delve into so many other areas of the Air Force, which made actual career as a histology technician tolerable.
I was blessed to march in the Korean War Memorial dedication parade. I was a part of many organizations, and served under the Commander and Chief as an executive assistant for almost a year. I was a fitness instructor. I served on many service member of the quarter/year award boards. I was a training instructor. I even did other aspects of the lab such as Point of Care testing. I led training runs, memorial runs, and more ceremonies than I can count on one hand.

Yet for the last 2 ½ years…I’ve simply gone to work, punched in, did my job, and came home each night. While completely thankful to HAVE a job, this JOB no longer brings me joy.
And now, knowing my job is being eliminated, I have been on the job hunt for nearly 3 weeks without a single bite.
I’ve remained faithful, with constant forward movement and self-talk that involves a lot of yelling, crying, and begging for God to show me where the heck I am supposed to be in life at the ripe age of 41.
I thought by now I’d have it figured out. But nope…
I do know these few things.
I love to run, and running with friends makes me even happier when the mileage increases.

I love to cook, invent, and inspire others with the foods I prepare.

I love to take pictures, and although I’d never call myself a photographer, I love being behind the lens.

I love inspiring and helping others. It not only makes my crap, well, less craptastic, but it brings me such joy to help someone through a difficult time in their life.

I love to write. I have been writing since the age of 12, and although I am just an amateur, I truly love the written word.
Yet, none of these passions will provide for my family currently…yet…

With that, I have to keep plugging along, searching for a new job at least 2-3 hours each night, praying that right fit will come along. My family needs my financial, and happy mental support.

goals, moving forward, running, strength

Why I run…

January 20, 2014January 20, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

For more than 2 1/2 decades, I’ve used running as a source of therapy. I started running in junior high school as a way of trying to find my place in a time where I felt very OUT of place (who didn’t as a young teen, right?).
From a young age, I never felt like I really ‘belonged’ anywhere, and for most of my teen and adult life I suffered from sometimes, quite severe depression.

In 2007 I hit my WALL in life. That moment where in a marathon you feel you just CAN’T take another step, where it hurts to breathe, and even blinking seems painful….Yes…I was there…and it was scary to say the least.

Yet the love I have for my family came bounding to the forefront, and I knew I had to change, to lift myself up, and to start moving forward.

So I signed up for my first half marathon in September of 2007, with only 8 weeks to train. The San Antonio Rock and Roll half marathon will always hold a special place in my heart.

I could barely run ONE mile without walking, but I was moving…My training brought me a new found respect for running, and re-ignited a fire that had been lying dormant for many years. I would work all day, come home to make dinner and feed my then 8 and 1 year old daughters. As soon as my husband got home from work, I’d pass off the kids, and head out the door to run. And after 8 weeks of hard and grueling training, I completed my first half marathon in 2 hours and 19 minutes. Just typing this recap brings tears to my eyes. THIS choice, to train for a half marathon despite my hardships that I was going through, was life saving.

Since then after retiring from the Air Force in 2011, I have completed several more half marathons (Half Fanatic #3915), and 2 full marathons, with my PR’s being 2:02/4:25 respectively. My favorite race of all time, is the Fox Valley Marathon. The Fox River trails are my home away from home, and also volunteering for this race has made it near and dear to my heart.

My goals for this year are to focus on my half marathon speed, but regardless of the race, you’ll be sure to see me smiling.

Why?

Some say running has saved their lives, and I piggy back that sentiment, partially.

Partially?

Yes. Because for me, MAKING THE CHOICE to run, to train, to race, THAT has saved my life. And this ongoing choice, has made me both stronger, and happier all around.

I don’t run to win races. I run, to keep movin’ forward. #pacesetter @womenraces #keepmovinforward

goals, moving forward, running, strength, training

Three things Thursday on my birthday eve

January 17, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Life is short.
All too often we get caught up in THINGS. But life isn’t about STUFF. It’s about moments, lives, love, family, friends, and moving forward. This week I was told I am losing my job in the spring due to cut backs in budget, healthcare, etc…I found myself heading in a downward spiral, and it terrified me. But instead of throwing in the towel, I maintained my work out schedule after coming home from work, preparing meals and keeping my crazy household maintained.

Life is good.
I have my health so far…and I have made it through almost 41 years without any major illness’s. At work today, I had to process a specimen on a very young (40’s) man that has stage 4 cancer. It never gets easier….23 years in the same field, and it. never. gets easier.

Life is meant for living.
People often ask why I continue to put the work and effort in to my Facebook page, when I am not making a profit from the efforts.
Why?
Because just today, I received two messages in regards to my efforts.
The first:

“Cheers to you my friend. I know this birthday will be filled with lots of emotions. What a great year, you’ve made so many new friends, Moved so many people with your page, food, photos….just remember that you do not have to be defined by what you ‘do’, be defined by what you ‘love’, and who loves YOU. May all your wishes come true.
The second:
I wanted you to know that you have a follower (keeping name private), she does your AB challenge with her daughter, she reads your posts every day and loves your page. Your page is awesome, she loves it. Just wanted you to know you have a strong reach…
Touching lives, inspiring others, MOVIN’ forward is such a joyous part of living to me…

Despite a rough week, my heart is full tonight. And I realize…Life…IS. What it IS, is up to YOU.

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dedication, moving forward, running, Uncategorized
Polar Dash Recap, and more!

January 12, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Today was my first race in over 3 months since I tore my Achilles tendon. Yet when my friends asked if I wanted to sign up for the Polar Dash race series, I was excited to have a race to look forward to again.
We headed out early, despite the challenges of slippery roads, time set backs, and yes, me forgetting my trail shoes and having to run home to get them.
We got to the starting point literally less than 10 minutes before the 14 mile start. I missed meeting up with some amazing women, but did catch Penny from 26.Yikes and SarahJeanne from In Mid Stride.

Lots of laughter, hugs, and chatting and we were FREEZING, but happy.
We headed to the start corral, and I realized WOW…I am doing this. BRRRR….

Not a 1/4 mile in, and we were faced with standing water, ice, and detours through snow banks. But we were HAVING FUN. Crazy right? I mean, really, who signs up for any sort of distance in JANUARY, in CHICAGO? Yup…we did.
So we took a lot of pictures. Stopped to walk the icy parts, and the best part? I didn’t look at my Garmin, at all.

Several comment were made about our attire…and the best being named the “Polar Princess’s” and the “Tutu crew.”
We stayed together.
No runner left behind.
We finished happy.

And afterwards we all met up for lunch, and of course the traditional Bloody Mary. Yup. I drank that.

And in the end, people can question our pace time, our finish time, or how we placed….

But guess what. For THIS race, NO ONE cared. It was about being together as friends, laughing, talking, reconnecting, and just RUNNING to be free.
While eating lunch and shortly there after, I found myself laughing…laughing, and smiling so hard I had tears streaming down my face.
THIS is something I don’t do often enough…

But I did it today. And I’m better for it. I thank all of my friends and family, both near and far, for giving me a reason to smile, laugh, live, and run.

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goals, goodbyes, running
Only ran twice this week…

January 30, 2012 Movin' it with Michelle

I was only able to get in 2 runs this week, but managed to work in IT Band stretches 3 days, as well as some Wii work outs. It’s a start right?
Been a rather rough week, knowing my husband leaves on Friday, but I’ve tried to channel my emotions with writing, school, and my workouts as in-frequent as they still are right now. I know I’ll “get there” and I will get my issues worked out, but right now I am doing what I can to hang on to each moment with my husband before leaves. I am trying to give him his space to play his computer games and wind down before he has so much stress put on his shoulders. But I do find myself hugging him more often, wishing he was near, more often.
With this added stress I too am trying to build bonds with my daughters as both are Daddy’s girls which adds to my weight while he is gone. They “want” and “need” Daddy…so far I am just an afterthought and disciplinarian. I hope to find a common balance while he is gone.

My little Sophia loves to go to the gym with me, so I look forward to giving her big sister some quiet time while we work out a few times a week. Once spring hits in a couple months I will be back to running outside.

I have four weeks left of school. FOUR. Four weeks and counting until I finish my Graduate degree, obtaining an MBA in Health care Management. I started this schooling journey back when my eldest daughter was merely one years old…and I will finish it in her 12th year of life. It has been a long and tiresome journey, but another I needed to complete no matter how many hours of sleep I lacked. Once this journey is finished I will venture to my next which is training for this marathon.

My current goals are to get in shape and eat better before my “real” marathon journey begins in a few months. I want to be able to run more than 3 miles without having to stop and walk, and I want to rid myself of aches and pains so that I can run with peace and joy. That is my goal. For today…

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