Uncategorized – Page 10 – Movin' it with Michelle

dedication, food, goals, moving forward, Uncategorized

Hubby, hills, and hellha-smiles

May 16, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Wednesday went a little like this:
Today was a busy day…we’ve got turnover in staff, stress, and work piling on…and I LOVE IT.
I nearly broke under pressure, but regrouped quickly…and was even told what I good job I did presenting an issue to one of our VP’s. #lifeisgood

But in all the chaos, running errands after work, and getting things settled my amazing husband said, “We are running.”
I am so proud of his dedication to our pre-half marathon training.
I had a terrible headache. I was tired.
I ran 4 miles with my amazing husband who has embraced my craziness.

But most of all, I shared my passion with the person who knows me best. He looked at my around mile two, and had a smile from ear to ear and my heart sang. He realized where my running joy stemmed from…
We ran hills, and on the downward stretch I found myself “WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEING” all the way down.
I love to run. Even more so, with my people…my persons. My HOME of all homes.

Fast. Slow. Steady. Stopping.

There is something to be said about the constants we have in life. And I. Have many…Family, friends, food, fitness, fotos….my constant passions and reminders that I have a greater purpose in this crazy world…

Tonight we went out to dinner not for a special occasion really, but more so to celebrate how far we’ve come in life, in our marriage, and in being able to tackle so many struggles.

Check it out…

Lamb loin with fiddleheads? Yes please... — Lamb loin with fiddleheads? Yes please…

We spent the evening (our rest day) surrounded by what some would call strangers. But we talked, laughed, and conversed with members of our local community we had not yet met before, yet became fast friends.

The owner of the vineyard remembered us from a previous wine dinner nearly two years ago. She welcomed us passionately, and I was reminded why I fell in love with Fiddlehead Cellar winery. It’s premise is passion…and you can see it in the owners eyes. We were blessed to sit with her at the head table during a wine dinner two years ago along with her Mother, and the memory will forever be engrained in my heart and mind.

And at the end of the day I realize life is all about passion, constants, and moving forward.

Find your passion, and run with it like the wind…

What’s your passion?

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Leibster award nomination!

May 14, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I’ve been blessed to be nominated for the Leibster award for a second time, so thought I’d play along as I find it fun to get to know everyone! Here are my 10 questions…

1. Why Blog?

I blog to express myself, in fitness, cooking, photography and writing. If I can inspire just one person-my purpose is complete.

2. What is your preferred fitness activity?

I am a runner by nature, but also love to bike, weight train, and do yoga (never thought I’d say that)

3. Who do you admire?

I admire many people…but I’d have to say my husband is my biggest inspiration. He works hard, no matter what set backs he may encounter, and never stops movin’ forward.

4. If you could have one food everyday, what would it be?

Sushi. Hands down.

5. Who is on your playlist?

Everyone from Mandisa, to Eminem and Linkin park mixed with a little bit of country.

6. What is your favorite meal/dish?

Anything grilled! My husband is our grill master, and I love complimenting his food with my side dishes.

7. If you can travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?

Italy. No question.

8. What would you do with your winnings if you won the lottery?

I would invest half…donate a quarter, and use the remainder to put my kids through college!

9. What do you do in your down time?

Downtime? I don’t have a lot…but I make sure to run 3 times per week, walk, cook, and take pics of my amazing family!

10. Morning person or Night Owl?

Night owl all the way…it’s such a curse for a runner to be a night owl sometimes, LOL!

Now, 10 random facts about me…

1. I don’t have cable, and only miss the foodnetwork/cooking chanel

2. Although I seem outgoing, I am very much a homebody surrounding myself with my “people.”

3. I’ve never been anywhere outside of the United States besides Mexico and Canada

4. I grew up a tom boy, with guns, fishing poles, and dirt under my nails more times than not.

5. As a kid, my favorite show was “Little house on the Prairie” and I still love this show/books

6. I started writing poetry in 6th grade, and love the written word.

7. I am a believer in the United States, the military, and all things patriotic.

8. I never thought I could finish a full marathon…ever…yet I’ve completed 2 full marathon races.

9. I am my biggest enemy, and biggest supporter. It’s a never ending battle.

10. After suffering from some pretty tough times, I have refocused my energy on inspiring others with my quirky story.

My Nominees are:

http://barbweickselsgiftofgab.wordpress.com/

http://www.thegoodlifegirl.com/

http://lakefronttrail.blogspot.com/

http://www.xaarlin.com/

http://ilaxstudio.blogspot.com/

http://confessionsofamotherrunner.com/

http://babywilt-eatlessmovemore.blogspot.com/

http://bostonboundbrunette.blogspot.com/

http://andsoitburns.blogspot.com/

Ok, here are the questions I’d like to see you answer!

1. What is your favorite distance to run/walk/bike?

2. What made you start blogging?

3. Cooking or takeout?

4. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

5. What is your biggest pet peeve?

6. Who has been your biggest supporter in your life goals/challenges?

7. Name one food you can’t live without-healthy and unhealthy…ok, that’s 2 foods!

8. Do you prefer to work out in groups, or solo?

9. Name your best accomplishment, of all time!

10. If you could turn back time and change one thing, what would it be?

Now it’s your turn…answer the questions if you’d like, and nominate some of your favorite pages!

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Obligatory Mother’s day post, and more…

May 12, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I never thought I would be a Mother. I never wanted kids growing up…it just wasn’t a life goal of mine. I have always considered myself a free spirit, and one who wanted to fly by the seat of my pants. I never used to be good with commitment…I have had so many failed relationships in my life both growing up, and in my 20’s that I found counting on myself was my best bet…

But in 1999 I was blessed with a gift…after more miscarriages then I can count, my life changed with a positive pregnancy test just after Christmas of ’99. September 22nd I was blessed with a child, a gift from God, and a reminder that life is a miracle. Just months later I found myself divorced, alone with an infant, and scared out of my mind.

How would I raise a child on my own, when I never even dreamed of having kids? I didn’t have family close to help, so I held on dearly to my Air Force family that helped me raise my little J for the first 3 years of her life…

And then…I met my soul mate in 2003, and my life would be forever changed. He not only fell in love with me, he fell in love with my daughter who would soon become his first born. I was told to never try and have more kids…yet we tried in 2004, with our first attempt resulting in a miscarriage. I wasn’t sure I could try again…but WE did…and a second miracle graced herself in our life, and we are now a family of four +1 furbaby.

Today I was woken up to my family dressed in running gear, with gifts of running gear for Mommy…I held back the tears, changed my clothes, and hit the trails running/walking with my family. MY family…my “persons” knowing what I love best, planned a beautiful day of running, going out to breakfast, and BBQ’ing in our backyard…

I USED to think my life would always be in turmoil…I had a couple decades of very tough years…heck, haven’t we all?

But I changed my mindset, and in doing so, I changed my life. I continue to surround myself with positive forces, friends, and family who keep me movin’ forward.

Tonight, we signed up for a half marathon…but not just ANY half marathon…my husband decided to run a half marathon WITH me…YAHOOO! I can’t wait. Fox Valley half here we come!!!

After a nice week of rest, this week start back at it with training!

What are you training for?

dedication, food, goals, moving forward, Uncategorized

The rebirth of so many things…Weekend wrap up!

April 21, 2014April 21, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I have had, the BEST weekend, nearly EVER. Ok, that is exaggerating…but this weekend truly was stellar. And in being a part of this amazing weekend, I was reminded of how far I’ve come in life.

Friday night was spent with my family and friends watching our good friend’s son perform in his last high school performance of “Guys and Dolls.” We’ve watched him grow from a young sophomore, to a well seasoned senior that literally stole the show. I was in awe of his talent, and seeing him come out to greet the audience waiting to cheer on the performers yet having him zero in on my 7 year old holding a single rose to congratulate him made me swallow a huge lump in my throat. The adults spent the remainder of the evening huddled around a fire drinking wine and talking and I thanked my lucky stars for all the amazing people I’ve met since retiring from the Air Force.

As posted in my previous blog, I got my long run done on Saturday, and it was a really great run. We were lucky enough to spend the evening with friends again Saturday night, and I went to bed happy. The Easter baskets were set out, eggs hidden, and my alarm set for church.

I woke up to my husband snuggling with me, and my 7 year old crawling in to bed to wish us a Happy Easter. Can you get a better start to a day? I don’t think so…My husband was even so sweet to surprise me with an Easter card that held an ITunes gift card…he knows me too well.
We went to church, saw my RBF and her family, and I felt so blessed with such an amazing service while being surrounded by my family and friends.
We went out for breakfast, and came home for our annual at home Easter Egg hunt, and spent the rest of the day outside. I truly felt reborn having spent the weekend with some of my favorite people, running, and catching some much needed Vitamin D.

We grilled out tonight, and my hubby made some amazing steaks. I only had a small portion, but it was yummy! I did make a delicious roasted carrot, red pepper and onion mash that was off the chain! Holler if you want the recipe!

Grilled steak with chimichurri, roasted carrot, red pepper and onion mash and good ole corn on the cob!

I’ve learned a lot since retiring from the Air Force…stripes, race times, money, PR’s, NONE of that validates who I am. Nope…I validate ME. I let others dictate my happiness for far too long…It feels good to take control. And as always, KEEP MOVIN’FORWARD.

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Sunday, summation…

April 14, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I wasn’t going to post tonight…I didn’t run any amazing races or break any PR’s…yesterday I ran my 10 miler solo, and it. was. hard. I spent my weekend “off” running, doing chores, yard work, and cooking.

I reached out to several friends, and was amazed at the outcome. I watched movies…listened to my favorite music, and spent time with some pretty amazing people.

The word amazing seems to highlight my life. Yet with the caveat that my life is hard just like everyone else’s. Yet I choose…to find the amazing in…EVERY…SINGLE…day.

Ten miler, done…housework, done…family time, spent…

This week brings on my taper…I will run, do yoga, and work out…and I will cherish every single moment.

Life…is…good.

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2014 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K race recap

March 31, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Let’s start with the expo…I rarely get to make it downtown for race expos due to work etc. but with Friday being my last day off, I jumped at the chance to take the train downtown with everyone to check out the expo and pick up our race packets.

Positives-The expo had a lot of great booths, with neat little free stuff that they were giving away. I was blessed with a 10 minute chair massage that was GLORIOUS.

We only had a finite amount of time, so we snapped as many pictures as possible, and had a blast on the trolley ride back to the train.

Carolyn and I...this girl has a piece of my heart. — Carolyn and I…this girl has a piece of my heart.

Negatives-the trolley was extremely late, and we ended up taking a cab to the expo due to lack of time. Sadly we found out it showed up about 5 minutes after we left in our cab, but it all worked out!

Race day…
I haven’t “raced” in months…after a torn Achilles last fall I have taken my running very easy in order to let myself heal properly. I have been running, a little, but not where I was last year by far. This morning I woke up at 3 a.m. and wasn’t able to fall back asleep…ack! Really? But thankfully I had *all my gear set out and ready to go, as we were meeting at Carolyn’s house at 6:20 a.m. to head downtown. I nearly left my subdivision, and had my hand on my right leg…I forgot my knee brace! I quickly turned around, grabbed it and hit the road running.
I was super duper thankful for my Nuun with caffeine this morning as it seemed to give me that jump start I needed. As I don’t drink coffee, I take all the help I can get from other caffeinated products like tea/sugar free 5 hour energy.
We made it downtown in record time and had some pre-race fuel. It was time to head to our corrals….Melissa B left before us as she was in a speedier corral, so the remaining girls hit up the gear check, porta potties, and gave each other hugs and high fives to kick this race’s butt…

One of my only complaints, is the congestion trying to get into your corral. I allowed myself PLENTY of time, yet after stepping in a mud puddle trying to rush around people I realized I had TWO minutes to get into my corral before it closed. Talk about panic mode!!!

But I made it, and had a few minutes to calm down, breathe, and reflect on everything…slowly, we inched up, and I could see the start…

The first mile (as always) was a bit of a cluster, as most city races are…but I was able to dodge and weave like a mad woman, and found myself getting into my groove by the second mile. My Garmin lost signal while under the tunnel, but regained signal coming out so that helped keep me calm. I settled in by the 2 mile mark, and found myself flying past people at a consistent pace of around 8:48…I slowed during the water stops, allowing myself a few sips, but was excited to push myself as hard as possible. My Garmin time of course doesn’t match official chip time, but knowing I ran the outer curves gives me confidence that my Garmin was pretty close on point. I’ve always been very good at pacing myself, not going out too fast, and being able to keep consistent in a comfortable pace. The spectators were great, the volunteers amazing, and the majority of the racers were considerate of each other. One of my only course complaints was that racers who decided to walk stayed on the left, or in the middle vs. moving to the right which is the considerate thing to do…as a pretty good “bobber and weaver” I was able to get around those that decided to walk.
I finished strong, and had a couple pretty amazing Chicago Marathon 2012 flashbacks. Each corner, each stretch of street reminded me of my first marathon that I ran with my sister, and I found my eyes getting a little teary and my chest a little tight. The city of Chicago has truly captured my heart in so many ways.

I've got some pretty cool friends...yup — I’ve got some pretty cool friends…yup

We finished the day, having lunch and doing some site seeing in Chicago before we had to head home. What. A. Great. Day.

yes, my obligatory Bloody Mary that I treat myself to after every race.

Thanks to all who help me keep this blog alive. I truly love helping people, keep, movin’…forward.

❤
Michelle

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Meatball and veggie soup recipe and running

February 10, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Meatball and veggie soup recipe and running.

food, Uncategorized

Bacon wrapped chicken thighs, served with steamed asparagus

January 22, 2014January 22, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I was admittedly feeling a little low after work today. Not knowing the future can be tough, and although my mantra is to keep movin’ forward, it can be a challenge when you are unsure of how you will provide for your family in a monetary sense.

So what do I do when I’m feeling low besides go for a run? I cook.
There was no running outdoors today with negative wind chills, and the dreadmill, well, just looked dreadful. I did a circuit work out, my AB challenge, and hunkered down in the kitchen.

I seasoned 4 chicken thighs simply with kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper and a dash of garlic powder. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and set aside.
Cut 4 thin pieces of Pepperjack cheese. I normally avoid dairy, but this is one of the few cheeses I can stand.
Take 4 pieces of nitrate free/low sodium back and separate.
Put one piece of cheese inside each chicken thigh, and wrap tightly, then seal by wrapping tightly with the bacon, securing with toothpicks. Repeat the process, and place in a 9×11 pyrex baking dish. Drizzle lightly with evoo, and back at 375 for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
Steam your asparagus lightly so that it still has a crunch, and season with kosher salt, and pepper. I topped with a little parmesan cheese, to entice my kiddos to eat it, 🙂

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Wordless Wednesday

January 16, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Wordless Wednesday.

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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