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.
pretty much…
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?
We’re in week 3 of marathon training, and so far, so good…I’ve been using a modified version of Hal Higdon’s Novice 2 training plan and am admittedly happy that this weekend is a cut back week for my long run. His plans have a progression of miles for 2 weeks, and then a slight cut back on the 3rd week. This gives my weary legs time to rest which is exactly what this middle aged runner needs. My knees have been a bit achy this week, and I’ve yet to determine if it’s the weather, or just the increasing mileage. Regardless, I am thankful my long run is only 6 miles this weekend. I haven’t decided if I’ll go back to the track, or try and knock it out on my treadmill. We shall see!!!
Hal Higdon
Time:
I often hear people tell me that they don’t have time for this or that…”I don’t have time to run like you,” is probably the best one I’ve heard. We all have busy lives between work, family, maintaining a home etc. But it’s a choice we EACH make to MAKE time, or make excuses. I choose to make time for things that are important to ME. Running happens to be one of those things. I have no need for snarky comments on how I make the time, either. Thank you very much. 🙂
Trust:
This one is near and dear to me, as I don’t trust very many people with my heart. Be it friends, family or coworkers, the people I chose to spend my time with are held very dear to my heart. But sadly sometimes that trust is broken. And it hurts. The snarky comments from people when you’ve repeatedly given of yourself, well, hurts. I suppose no matter how hard you try, it never is enough for some. So be it, right? It’s all about movin’ forward. THAT is something I’ve got no TIME for. Ha!
Questions! Do you use a training plan? Do you hear snarky comments about how you make time for things, and if so how do you deal with them? What are you thoughts on trust, and forgiving past hurts repeatedly?
Boring, right? Today’s three things are all in one way or another running related.
So here are my three things, in no particular order for the week.
1. I CAN DO THIS. No wait…I AM DOING THIS…I have started out week 1 of marathon #3 training quite well if I do say so myself. I’ve worked out every day this week so far, and am feeling strong despite lack of sleep due to hubby travels again. Is my endurance where I want it to be? No way…but it’s week one, right? 3 shorter distance runs, 30 minutes of yoga, daily planks/pushups, with a 6 mile long run on deck for Saturday….I got this!!! Positive thinking is in full force. Step aside any negativity, please.
Pic credit: personalitytutor.com
2. In regards to my last post about Treadmill tips, I enjoyed reading ALL of your ideas. So today I decided to try watching the show “Chopped” on my Kindle and make the show into an interval session of sorts. Yup…I can turn just about anything in to something that involves running, especially when I am in official training. So it went a little like this.
My Kindle perfectly covered the screen of my treadmill!
While the four Chefs were introduced by Ted Allen I started slow, at about a 5.4 mph pace (keep in mind I kept the read out covered WITH my Kindle so these are only approximate speeds-in fact I am not concerned with speed this year, but that’s my next ‘thing’). After he told the Chefs to open their baskets, I sped up just a little more-maybe to 5.8?…I held this pace while the Chefs cooked, until their two minute warning, where I sped up significantly running all out for those 2 minutes. Once time was up for that round, I scaled the time back to my 5.4 mph-ish pace again and held that until the next round. I repeated this sequence for all 3 courses and it worked GREAT. I also had my friend Maria helping me out virtually, which I really can’t say enough about. There’s just nothing better than supportive friends and family during training.
Yup. No quitting here.
3. Speed snobs. There…I said it. I have always praised the running community and how welcomed I have felt since moving to this area almost 4 years ago. But every now and then I catch myself succumbing to the speed snobs snide remarks or lack there of when I post a run on FB (for example). I will never be a 7-8 minute miler, and am honestly happy with that fact. In fact, I run for peace of mind, release of stress, AND because it’s a healthy exercise. I have no need to go ‘balls to the walls’ for EVERY. SINGLE. RUN. That is not peaceful for me. There is no release in that type of running-for me. But in the same breath, I applaud those who CAN run that fast and enjoy it at the same time. I have never been one to judge another runner, or compare my pace or goals to anyone other than ME. We aren’t all like that tho, are we? So the slight sting I felt today was brushed off quickly and replaced with the other 99% of runners in my life, as well as family and friends.
Pic Credit: supergenericgirl.com
Does positive talk come in to play during your training season? Have you ever made up your own “Interval training” program creatively with a TV show or music? How do you deal with the elitist type people who seem to put everyone else down?
This week has been a doozy…So here’s my three things for the week…
1. Being a single parent is HARD. This is no new news, or break through in today’s society but pardon me while I whine for a little bit. Folders, homework, dinners, snacks, laundry, projects mixed in with a career outside the home and being a ‘taxi driver’ is tough. Argh!
Credit: sarisandstories.com
2. Stress can cause migraines. Migraines can suck terribly. Yeah…coming off my second one in a month has been NO FUN. Those that suffer from head colds, sinus issues, or headaches/migraines realize that this is a show stopper when it comes to running, working out, or fitness of any sort if you get these issues to the extreme I do…so yeah. Insert lazy slug slogan, here…I did get my plank in today…does that count?
This pretty much sums it up…(pic via google)
3. Taking forced time off from fitness isn’t always easy. But it leaves time for snuggles on the couch with my girls, phone calls later in to the evening with my sister, and scratching my head as I compose my next blog post. So it’s not all bad, right? Although I may have a felt a little like this, this week….
Pic via google
So tomorrow I am off from work, but still am getting up at O’dark 30 to get my kids ready and off to school. I requested a massage appointment, realizing it’s last minute, but praying all the same I get to use the gift card my friend Melissa got me for my birthday….WIN. I work Saturday and Sunday so this would be epic!
Do you deal with migraines? Have kiddos you have to take care of on your own?
1. I was tagged to participate in a pretty fun post, but will have to work on that this weekend. HAHA, way to keep you hanging, right?
I did however get THIS cool notification after just over a year of having my blog on WP. 🙂 A HUGE thank you to those who have taken the time to like, comment, and engage with my quirky little place in the world. Mad love to you all!
YAY!
2. After working 6 days in a row I realllllllllllllllllly wanted to come home and put my jammies on and…NOT. MOVE. But after work I picked up my youngest and ran a couple errands. I knew once arriving home I would HAVE to change in to my running clothes and hop on the mill. I texted my friend Maria, as we had another virtual running date, and got ready. She was running a little late, so I started on my own. Just after hitting the one mile mark (2 miles on deck) I really wanted to give up. My legs were sore after my run Tuesday and I found myself questioning if I’d be ready for marathon training in just ONE month after nearly a month without a single run. My legs were SORE from a 2 mile run…really? But then I got this text…and I knew I could do this. No quitting. (Thanks, Maria…truly!)
YAY for friends!
3. I admittedly haven’t cooked at all since I’ve been on single Mom duty this week. The kids are happy with left over, sammiches, and breakfast for dinner so it’s been pretty easy. Tonight after my run I decided to make an easy homemade pizza with a little help from the store. My friend Kristina from @Life laugh love run asked for the recipe, so I thought I’d share with you all!
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees, and line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil-set aside while you get your ingredients ready!
1 package of corn tortilla/gluten free tortilla/wrappers
1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce. I am lucky to have an amazing Italian market just 1/2 mile away that makes their own homemade sauce that is totally organic/preservative free!
Your favorite toppings! Here are some of mine:
1 pepper, diced
Several mushrooms, sliced
Garlic-minced
1 package of lean/low fat/low sodium pepperoni. I get mine again, from my amazing grocery store so I know it’s “good” for my family.
Oregano/basil
Mozzarella cheese (I only use a little as dairy and I aren’t friends)
Line the cookie sheet with the tortillas, making sure NOT to overlap. Take 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce, and spread evenly over the tortilla. Add your veggies next, then the pepperoni. Sprinkle lightly with the cheese, and season with basil and oregano. Bake at 425 degrees for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
easy, quick, and healthy! Can’t go wrong!
Enjoy!
Have you struggled with winter running or injury? How do you get past the struggle? What is your favorite healthy go-to meal?
Ok, so my Three things Thursday post is going to go a little like this:
1. I’ve been at my current job for nearly 10 months now. I’m finally settling in, feeling more comfortable, and really making connections with my staff, peers, and Pathology staff. I’d been told a pay raise was in the works, as my annual merit raise was pennies since I was only with the hospital technically one quarter of last year (June 30th ends the fiscal year for our hospital). Today when checking my pay stub, I saw that my raise kicked in and I smiled. It’s not huge, but it made me feel really good that my hard work is recognized. YAY. Every little bit counts!
Pic credit: adminfinance.umv.edu
2. Today marks the 2 week anniversary of my self mutilation – aka Christmas injury. You can read about it here: https://movinitwithmichelle.com/2014/12/27/christmas-injuries/ I am happy to report that for the first time in 2 weeks, I was able to take a REAL shower without my uber bandaged thumb. The wound is healing NICELY, I am able to cook again, and am looking forward to RUNNING next week!!! Tonight is the first time I have a regular Band-Aid on the wound, but will probably add more padding when I leave the house-just for safety purposes. It’s still very tender, hasn’t closed completely quite yet and is still very bruised. But…it gets better every day, and soon I’ll be back it all with full force, despite lacking a slice of my digit LOL!!
3. We are currently experiencing Polar Vortex #2 with our 3rd day in a row of a crazy artic blast. Temps have plummeted, schools closed, and winds are blowing at top speeds. I also just found out that I’ll be back on single Mom duty for the next month and a half while my husband travels off and on… SOOOO….What does that mean?
COMFORT FOOD!!!! Here’s my take on a healthy beef stroganoff:
What you’ll need:
1 lb of beef chuck roast, cubed, and seasoned with kosher salt and pepper. Place in a bowl, and sprinkle a 1/8 cup of flour (I used gluten free, Namaste brand-my fav!!) Set aside.
1 can of low fat golden mushroom soup/1 cup of low sodium beef stock.
1 white onion, diced
3 gloves of garlic, minced
2 cups of mushrooms, chopped (I used Shitake, but any brand will do)
2 tablespoons of low fat sour cream (add this at the VERY end)
4-5 splashes of Worcestershire sauce
Thyme, chives, and parsley-pinch of each
1 cup of gluten free rice (or the rice/pasta of your choosing), cooked to package directions
Preheat your wide sauce pan with EVOO at medium to high heat. Cook your beef until golden on each side-do not cook through. Remove from the pan, and drain the grease. Add a touch more oil, and sauté your onions, garlic, and mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
prep work!
Add back in the beef, and increase the heat just a touch. In a separate bowl, add the mushroom soup and stock and mix well. Pour over your meat. Add 4-5 splashes of Worcestershire sauce. Season by adding the Thyme, Parsley, and Chives. Lower the heat and let simmer for 15 minutes (I use this time to cook my rice). Add in the sour cream in the last 2 minutes, stir well and get ready to plate. Taste for seasoning, serve, and enjoy!!!
Fancy? Nope..Yummy? You bet!
Time for 3 questions!!!
How do you handle recognition/raises at work? Is it frigid where you live? What’s your favorite comfort food?
1. I haven’t ran in 6 days…after a wonderful weekend in Chicago this past weekend, I caught my death with who knows which strand of flu. I felt it hit Monday night and it took it’s toll on my body, and my mental strength to say the least. I have prided myself in my mental strength over the years not only in regards to running, but life in general as I’ve been hit with more than I’d wish on my worst enemy in my lifetime. But Tuesday night after being sent home from work (NEVER happens) I cried. I’ve worked so hard this summer training with my husband for his first half marathon, to not run for a WEEK is killer to the mind and soul. Because if I don’t run, well, he doesn’t either…so I hope this doesn’t hurt HIM in our race next weekend. We are going to run tomorrow, regardless of how I feel…I don’t want to let him down.
2. I am in awe of the friends and family who reached out to me this week. My immediate family, friends both near and far, and even coworkers texted to see if I needed anything. I feel. so. loved. Additionally, I realized I need to stop chasing people who just don’t give a shit about me even if they are blood. I’ve unfollowed several this week, and will continue to squelch negative energy from my life. For I have so many blessings that surround me. Chasing long lost hopes for relationships that used to exist is a waste of my blood, sweat, and tears. Just because you were close to someone decades ago, doesn’t mean that relationship will last. Move on. ‘Nuff said.
3. Today marked the 13th anniversary of the September 11th bombings. I never do very well on this day…I remember the call, the terror, and the sense of urgency that was felt while I was stationed at Scott Air Force Base, IL in 2001. I remember working more hours than I can count that day as our blood donor center was activated. I remember the buzz of the Humvees that circled the base’s perimeter. I remember my friends and I huddled in my tiny trailer home, tightly snuggled on my couch, watching the news and people falling from the top of the towers. I remember tears, pain, and a newfound love for my Air Force family. We were bonded so closely, but this brought us even closer together. Our lives, will never be the same, and if asked I could name every single person that sat with me on that grave evening.
This post has no pictures, gifs, or the like.
It’s simply a real post of ME, and all I have held close to me in my 41 years.
Training is coming along nicely for our half marathon. It’s hard to believe in just over 3 weeks my hubby and I will be crossing the finish line of his first half marathon, and my 11th (I think-I really need to count up my races). Despite only running twice last week due to weather issues, we haven’t missed many training runs and we’ve gotten all of our long runs in. Saturday will mark our last long run before we start to taper down, and we will be joining the Fox Valley crew for the 6th and last organized group training run. We’ll still be running long of course, just not in an organized group. I am also volunteering again this year, and have taken on the co-director roll of volunteers. This is no easy task, but rewarding none the less. We even get cool director race bling.
This is my happy place all summer long…here we are at our 4th training run I believe.Directors got THIS! SHWEET!
Time has a funny way of healing past hurts. I know, it’s a saying everyone’s heard, “Time heals all wounds,” but I am not sure it ever truly HEALS our wounds, more so it helps us learn how to deal with them and move forward. I’ve always been one to forgive, but forgetting is something I’ve never mastered, nor do I really want to in all honestly. For if you let history repeat itself, let that guy keep abusing you, let that friend keep hurting you, let that coworker keep bullying you-you have no one to blame but yourself. I was the victim for quite a few years, and I didn’t like myself all that much back then, if I am being truly honest. So with TIME…I’ve learned to forgive, but remember always the lessons learned from the hurts I’ve encountered in my life.
As it’s nearing Tapering time, I remember how tough of a time I had last year tapering during full marathon training. I never get the full feeling of “taper madness” during half marathon training I assume from the obvious less mileage you put in during half marathon training. It’s kinda nice to be honest…hehe I am enjoying it while I can, as I know February will be here before I know it and full marathon training will begin for me again!
LOL…I didn’t get to run today due to storms. “Honey, are you ok you seem grumpy today?” I am fine. LOL
Questions!!!!!
Are you training for anything? How’s it going for you?
Do you have tips on moving forward in regards to past hurts?
Movin' it with Michelle 