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A dedication to my Mom

Movin' it with Michelle

This post, is dedicated to my Mom. 

I was a terrible kid growing up…I know that now.   I see that I pushed, prodded, and pried away at my Mom’s patience while in my teenage years.  Yet my Mom remained strong…held her ground, and didn’t let me get away with CRAP. 

My Mom is probably the strongest woman I know.  She started at the very bottom of her career latter, and worked her way literally to the top.  Damn, I wish I had her strength.  She never let us see her “sweat” instead she kept working, striving, and always accomplished her goals.  Now at the age of 60 she is the President of her own company, and I couldn’t be more proud.
 

I remember many moments where I pushed her patience.  Some of these moments resulted badly…but we learned from each situation. 

And now, as my girls pry away at what little patience I have, I can only hope to have half the strength of my Mother. 

I need to suck it up…stop feeling sorry for myself, and work towards a better tomorrow. 

I have goals.  Dreams.  Desires.  Only I can make these things come true.  I may not be where I am meant to be now…but I’ll get there.  I really will. 

I used to cry nearly daily…yes, I am a emotional creature.  But I am learning to withhold my emotions, and keep, moving, forward.  I have only cried once in the last month, yay me. 

Praying the snow lets up so I can get out for a run this week.  What’s even better is I have girl’s night planned for Friday to have dinner with my BRF Carolyn. 

Life, is hard…but it’s good.  Thanks, Mom…you’ve taught me more than you will ever know. 
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Monday Real life adventures

Movin' it with Michelle

Last week, was literally the week from HELL.  Work, well, was WORK…to say the least.  I won’t bore you all with the details, more so I don’t want to relive that week…let’s just say it tore me up, and left me with little left to move forward.

So Friday night I sat with a cocktail, literally drinking my cares away when I received a text from one of my dear running friends inviting me for a run Saturday morning.  CRAP, I had one too many cocktails so I quickly dumped it in the sink and started chugging water.  Thank goodness I make weak drinks, and for the cure all of good hydration.  I ran a nice easy 4 miles with some awesome women Saturday morning, and I thought, “GREAT” my day will be amazing. 

The hubby had reserve duty all weekend, so it was just me and the kids.  The day may have started out great, but 3 girls together isn’t always a good mix, and I had quite the blow out with my teenager.  NOT GOOD.  I yelled.  Then cried…then succumbed to the fact you cannot win with parenting a teen, as well as a 6 year old who is trying to follow in her big sister’s footsteps with attitude and drama.  BAH. 

I did end up cooking an amazing roast that was seasoned and seared to perfection, then roasted slowly in my crockpot with yummy veggies. 

Sunday is always a busy day, and getting the kids ready for church as well as making sure my running clothes were laid out for my long run immediately afterwards was a feat not easily accomplished.  But, got it done!  I also committed to being an ambassador for the Fort2base run, which I am totally stoked over!!!  More to follow on that!!
 

I met my two friends, Melissa and Janel for an 8 miler on Sunday.  It was JUST what I needed.  We had planned on running the streets, but when we saw the trails clear we jumped at the chance to run the Fox River Trails.  MY BLISS indeed.  The last quarter mile was literally HILLS, and I tackled it with all I had.  GREAT times.  Janel and I finished the run with a great breakfast at Mel’s, and the only thing missing was Melissa who had to get home to her family.  Running Mom’s truly amaze me, as they juggle so much between being a Mom, (career woman for me), and getting their runs in.  I struggled the last few days with jealousy of nearly 90% of my girl friends who don’t work outside of the home…but I realize we all have different lives, and different struggles.   I may not always get my runs in when I want to, but I get them done regardless. 
 

Monday’s are always hard for me, especially after a weekend with little to no sleep.  The alarm goes off at 0530 hrs, and I would give nearly anything to hit that snooze more than a dozen times.  I haven’t slept well lately, admittedly, yet I got myself up, dressed and ready for another work day.  I found myself yawning all afternoon, but instead of giving up, I gave IN to the fact that I NEEDED yet another run.  I was able to coordinate with my husband so he could get the kids and to their appts, so I could RUN.  I came home, changed, and was out the door as quick as possible.  I ran my BEST 5K to date at 27:54!  This is slow for many, but for me, it was SUPER speedy, and amazing all in one sentence. 
 

In the end, it’s where we find our peace.  I realize more and more as I get older that so very few understand me, or want to take the time to see what I am all about.   Yet life is about finding ourselves…the rest, is truly gravy. 

Not many will understand, but in the end knowing who you are is what matters. 
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RLA for tonight!

Movin' it with Michelle

Ok….so I will start this post off by saying, WOW…you guys are all amazing, and I truly appreciate your comments and support.  I had honestly thought about taking a break from blogging, but so very glad I put that thought to rest. 

 

So tonight’s real life adventure is more of a DAY’s RLA…

I was on “kid duty” as my husband and I call it today, meaning I need to get my youngest up, dressed, and ready to take to before school day care.  This also entails ensuring my eldest is awake, reminding her to take the dog out, and getting everyone’s lunches and snacks prepared and ready for the day.  No easy feat, but totally do-able.  I actually enjoy taking my little one to school because she always knows how to start my day out right…smiles, laughter, and awesome 6 year old logic and banter fill the back seat of my Jeep at 6:30 a.m., and yes, it’s great.  It’s amazing how although we don’t get to see our kids as often as we’d like-the moments we DO spend with them are priceless. 
 

All said and done, I delivered my priceless package to daycare and made my hour commute to work…my work day started a bit crazy, cutting myself from the get go (I work in a pathology lab) and this COULD HAVE turned ugly…but nope, I bandaged myself up with a sparkly band—aid and went about my day.  I’ve been working long hours, and added in with my commute my gym/running time has been limited. 

Instead of letting this get to me, I arrived home from work, after watching an amazing sunset during my commute…I decided to cook an easy yet healthy dinner of Asian inspired chicken atop a bed of cabbage and ancient red peppers.  No dressing needed, just a drizzle of garlic infused vinegar!  It was so delicious! 
 

I will admit, I tried to relax tonight with a big slap of FAIL in the face…I made it 30 minutes on the recliner reading, realizing I hadn’t made lunches or snack, NOR had I set out clothes for the next day.  Relax mode quickly turned off, I hit the weights, and then got my chores done. 

Time to hit the hay in preparation for the crazy storms that are ensuing here in Chicago!  Sleep well, Movers! 

Keep moving forward!
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Sunday, runday!

Movin' it with Michelle

I had planned on taking a break from blogging, but decided since I love to write I would still dabble in my blogging when time permits. 

I had a busy week, full of 10+hour work days, and had to work my second job on Saturday.  I won’t lie and say I am not envious of the people out there that have the mere obligation of deciding who to run with, and on what day.  I wish I had the flexibility in my schedule that others do…but then I kick myself for wishing for what others have instead of being satisfied with what I have done and what I do…bah on jealousy, it sucks. 

So I went to work on Saturday where I teach at a local community college.  I went in with a good attitude, and ready to teach AND learn.  What an awesome group of students I have.    They are full of questions, and I learn so much from them…most of them are in their 20’s, and it’s so cool to see them plan their lives and careers. 

After work I tried to take a nap because I knew we were going out Saturday night.  Let’s face it…I’m not in my 20’s anymore, and can’t hang like I used to be able to…but a nap just wasn’t in the cards as I tossed and turned knowing I had so many chores to accomplish.  So I got up, took a shower, and was blessed to have a quick dinner at Red Robin with my family.  I have been trying to eat better, so I had the grilled chicken burger, without a bun.  It was delish! 

The hubs and I went out to see our friends play at a local bar.  WHAT FUN!!!  Just what we needed, although we found ourselves fading fast by midnight.  Just call me Cinderella, LOL!
 

Today we went to church, breakfast, and ran errands.  I again tried to take a nap with no luck, so went for a quick 5K run by myself.  The trails were icy, so I didn’t get my long run in, but managed a few miles at least.  Our family wrapped up the night with dinner.  We had a roast, and broccoli served two ways!  YUM! 
I attempted this…went down the hill about a half a mile, and decided to be smart and turn around after nearly eating trail a few times. 
 

I did realize that after a while I was a complete grump, and my first day of NO carbs wasn’t an easy one.   I will NOT do this forever, but for 2 weeks I am trying to cleanse and start over fresh. 

I admittedly miss my military days when I got Presidents day of…but prepping for work tomorrow reminds me that at least I have a job.  I CAN do this.  Yes, I do have a craptastic ton of laundry…but one load is done.  LOL

I was blessed to be contacted to be a “Fort2base” run ambassador by my new friend, “Kelly the Culinarian” and was completely taken aback.  I’ve never had such an opportunity so I am weighing my options, time, and ability to do a good job with this endeavor.  I know once summer comes I will have more time, so I am leaning towards doing it! 

With that, I bid you all a good night.  I hope your week is full of adventure, fun, and faith in life!
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Last day of January

Movin' it with Michelle

Day 31

I haven’t been blogging as much; I suppose without a SET goal other than a few races in the future, I feel I don’t have a lot to speak to when it comes to the running world.

My RLA (real life adventures) have taken over, but I have still been able to get my miles in, and smartly.  I am cross training this year and working on strength training as well.  I know my poor right knee can’t handle those cool “mile a day” or “1/2 marathon per month” challenges.  So I continue to run for me, my miles, my sanity, and my wellbeing. 

But I have enjoyed building my new Facebook page, that ISN’T selling or promoting anything other than happy and healthy living.  I know I am not perfect, but I also know I have been through more than I care to admit…and if my life lessons can help even one person-I then am a well-rounded person.   If you’d like to check it out, here is the link….I love the fact that although it seems ‘all over the place’ it sincerely focuses on 3 main things…Running, Recipes, and Real life adventures.  Pardon the link….

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Movin-it-with-Michelle-Running-Recipes-and-Real-life-Adventures/455603861149411?ref=hl#!/pages/Movin-it-with-Michelle-Running-Recipes-and-Real-life-Adventures/455603861149411

Check it out if you have time!  ❤  And happy running this weekend!!!
This is one of MY happiest places on earth…do you have yours?
 
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Day 11, Fun facts

Movin' it with Michelle

Day 11

Friday Fun facts…

1. I started running in 7th grade as a way to ‘free my mind’ after suffering from depression.
2. I joined the Air Force at the age of 18, and proudly served 20 years and am now a retired Master Sgt.
3. I have been through a lot in life (haven’t we all) but I choose to keep moving forward and don’t let the BAD outweigh the good anymore.
4. I turn 40 NEXT week, and have 2 amazing daughters and am married to my soul mate.
5. I love to run, and work out…If my knee holds out, I will run my second FULL marathon in October, 2013.
6. I love to motivate, inspire, and help others.

I ran alone tonight for the first time…and sadly I will say I won’t do it again in the dark.  I couldn’t find my footing, my groove, my anything…it was scary and although I had my head lamp I found myself looking over my shoulder far too much…But I did get my miles in, so for that I am thankful. 
It’s been a hard week; I suppose the eve of my upcoming birthday has me at odd.  If I hear “only 40” one more time I may snap.  I am having a hard time with it, and that should be allowed, right? 

I suppose it is why I laced up my shoes tonight even though my husband didn’t want me to…But I comforted him with the fact I would use my runtastic pro app so he could track where I was at…he got nervous when I hit a stop light, paused, and then accidentally turned my app off, LOL.  Thankfully I restarted it…

I running my longest “long run” tomorrow with a couple of friends I have met through training last year…looking forward to it, even though I am slower than they are.  Bring on an 8 miler to start the weekend right!

Please say a little prayer for my youngest who is running a fever, and has been for the last 2 days…Bless her for still smiling and being her happy little self. 
 
With that, I will leave you with this.  Hang on to those who pick you up, know you best, and support you constantly.  I have met so many new friends, and have time honored friends I wouldn’t trade for the world.  I have gotten so much support from them these last few weeks that I kick myself for worrying about a silly birthday. 

Rock on, Movers…life is too short. 
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Day 2 of 365…Rarely a wordless wednesday

Movin' it with Michelle

I recently embraced my addiction to running shoes…and gear…these are just last year’s purchases.  Yes, there will be more.  My latest addition are my awesome trail shoes which I LOVE. 

Tonight was day 2 of my 365 days of working out, and WHAT A WORK OUT. 

I leave you with these thoughts. 

Follow YOUR dreams.  No one else’s…Don’t let the negative aspects or lack of support get you down, for there is support out there…
Did I mention, follow YOUR dreams?  Ok…just checking. 

Signed up for my 3rd race last night…the Fox Valley marathon to which I reaffirm my love for running, and runners alike.  I don’t know if I will run the half or full, but I am running my hometown race by gosh.  No one can stop me!

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Day ONE of 365…

Movin' it with Michelle

Happy New Year, gang!!!

 

So I am starting this year off, well, differently.  I don’t have a specific SET goal, other than hoping to double my mileage from last year with biking and running.  Last year I hit 657 miles, so hoping to hit 1300 this year.  I don’t know if it is doable with my schedule, but I sure will TRY. 

My fitness goals are big…I have decided most importantly to eat better, live better, and work harder.  This being said, I hope to do this BOTH mentally and physically.
I didn’t run today, but since my goal this year is to work out EVERY day, I did a small circuit training in my living room.  Yes, that is how I often roll.  🙂
25 pushups
25 squats
100 situps
25 push ups
25 squats
3 sets of bicep curls.
3 sets of tricep extensions
100 situps.

I have always struggled with confidence, and now as I am in the month of my 40th birthday, that lack of confidence has been knocking repeatedly at my door.  I need to learn to better stand up for myself, yet be kind in doing so. 

I need to stop letting people hurt me, and take my own advice. 

I need to start believing more in me, for the rest will follow. 

I need to stop listening to the people who may doubt me, yet never have taken the time to know me.

I need to recognize those who aren’t truthful with me, and just stop, stinkin’ listening to them. 

I need to decide to hang on to the good, and let go of the bad.  I preach it, now I need to do it…

I need to move forward with my dreams of writing a book, AND a cookbook, and quit putting it off until I have time-because I’ll never HAVE time, I have to make the time. 

I need to clutch on to those who have supported me not only this year, but continually throughout my life. 

I wanted to run today with all my running pals.  But I woke up in a funk I couldn’t shake.  It was 10 degrees, and my one pair of running tights were wet in the dryer when I got up at 8:45…I don’t want to take the decorations down-and haven’t…I am nervous about the upcoming year at work, be it current job and new.  I am trying to overcome the “over the hill” birthday that is right around the corner.  Ok…rant over.  LOL

So a few months ago I made a Facebook page filled with motivation, workouts, and recipes.  I didn’t think this page would grow…its quite simple actually.  But tonight I hit 1000 likes, and I can’t help but to be proud.  I am proud that I have put forth so much effort into the page, and more so proud I have helped support my fellow fitness and motivation pages.  It’s been quite a fun journey.  If you want to check it out, search “Movin’ it with Michelle Running, Recipes, and Real life adventures.” 
 

Here’s wishing you ALL, a very happy, blessed, and prosperous year.  I appreciate the unending support my family and friends have given me.  Tomorrow.  Is.  A. New. Day. 
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A post without pics. None needed here! My 2012 recap!

Movin' it with Michelle
It’s been quite a year…I toyed with the idea of NOT writing a recap of my 2012 journey, but quickly put a cabosh on NOT doing it…for every year I try to do more, be more, and more so IMPROVE more…
I will recap this year in bits.  Breaking it up between career, fitness goals, and self-preservation and growth.
CAREER.
I started a new career in the fall of 2011, just a few months after my retirement from the Air Force.  I still feel like a fish out of water some days, but other days I find myself learning just something small that makes me feel as if I am on top of the world.  The civilian hospital setting is so different from military.  But with perseverance I will prevail and succeed.  Some days I may want to give up, but I won’t let myself.
I completed my MBA in March of 2012…something I though NEVER possible.
I was offered a position this year as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Histology, just last month.  What is Histology most people ask?  Simply stated it is the branch of anatomy that studies biological tissues.  It is a truly artistic yet scientific field that can never be totally automated…I have been in this field for 21 ½ years now, and still find myself learning something new every day.  I look forward to this new challenge, as I know not only will it benefit me in more ways than one; it also provides me an avenue to give back to the community.
FITNESS GOALS
I started the year fresh and filled with fitness goals.  My 40th birthday would be in 2013, so finishing my first FULL marathon was looming on the horizon.  I started slow and steady with treadmill runs, building my way up to my second half marathon.  The Schaumburg ½ in May 2012.  It was one of the toughest races I’ve had to date…It hurt, I sucked, and I wanted to give up.  But…I don’t give up, and we (my sister and I) finished around the 2:33 mark.  Blah.  I got home, and feverishly looked for another ½ so I could redeem myself in order to regain confidence for FULL marathon training.  And yes…The All State 13.1 in Chicago truly was my redemption, finishing strong at 2:11, my current PR.
I also ran a few other smaller races and had a blast doing them all.
Dash in the Dark 5K-with a PR of 28:10
Fox Valley 20 miler-Best.  Race.  Ever.  3:39 finish.
Dick Pond Hot Cocoa-um, forgot my time?  Yikes!  What kind of runner am I?
Chicago Hot Chocolate 15K finished in 1:44
Turkey Trot 4 miler finished in 40:57
But biggest of all, I RAN THE CHICAGO  MARATHON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Lol…And my finishing time was 5:23.  THIS, was the hardest race of my life, quite possibly one of the hardest moments/days of my life.  I felt every emotion known to man…joy, elation, stress, worry, and nearly defeat when my knee gave out with still nearly 8 miles to run.  Thanks to my amazing sister for keeping me going!
It looks like I will not only finish out the year at 650 miles, but with more memories than I could possibly imagine.  I’ve now signed up for the Egg Shuffle ½ marathon in March, and hope to have more races on my schedule soon.
SELF-PRESERVATION AND GROWTH
I have been on depression medication for more than ½ my life.  I can proudly say I am now going over a month strong, medication FREE.
I have learned that not everyone will be truly happy for your success.  But be, happy, anyway.
I have learned that some people want nothing more than for you to fail.  Succeed, anyway.
I have learned that even when you doubt yourself, your “people” will pick you up and show you that you CAN. DO. IT.
I have learned you can’t GET support, without GIVING it in return.  Show those you love how much they mean to you, always.
I have learned that the friends I have made through my running community truly are amazing, and in turn they have changed my life for the better.  They get my butt out of bed.  They motivate me, and they inspire me to be a better person.
I have learned that even in the darkest of hours, I can always find joy.  For in the end, my joy in self-created.
Bring on 2013, I can’t wait for new adventures!
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Friday.

Movin' it with Michelle

Today I find myself at a loss for words.  I woke up, and saw the post from ‘Muscle Mom’ highlighting me as the “Muscle Mom” of the week.  Her page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.dragoo.5?cropsuccess#!/MuscleMom1

My life: in a photo can be found here:

I thought, FINALLY, a good day after a couple rough weeks.  I went to work with a smile, despite being tired, yet as the day unfolded I heard the tragic news of a kindergarten class that was gunned down. 

I was beside myself with emotion.  I wanted nothing more than to LEAVE work and go get my girls.  Yet this of course couldn’t happen.  I watched the clock. I worked as hard as possible to keep my mind at bay. 

Yet I found myself running to my Jeep so I could get to my girls.  I tried keeping my mind off the tragedy yet it was broadcasted on every radio station.  I tried driving in silence for the hour it takes me to get home, yet I needed a distraction.  I listened to talk radio, and sobbed…for I can’t fathom anything worse than losing a child.  I know the loss to a point having several miscarriages.  Yet to not be able to hug the children I have raised for the last 13/6 years is unimaginable to me. 

I got to Sophia’s daycare and literally RAN inside…NEEDING to feel her arms wrap around me.  NEEDING to see her face light up when I walk in the door.  Once home, I called for my oldest, nearly begging for a hug that I refused to let go…”Are you ok, Mommy?”  No…Yes…I don’t know. 

I then kicked myself in the rear for my petty woes.  I have a wonderful family, a home, a job, and food on my table. 

Yet I found myself so drained I couldn’t move…I got nervous for I remembered these feelings when I was at my all-time low in life.  But I simply closed my eyes for 20 minutes, regrouped, and MADE myself get up and GET moving. 

I may have not gotten my normal Friday night chores done tonight…nope…but I relaxed with my family, and am praying for some sleep. 

I have extra prayers tonight for the lives lost, and those family members that are left behind.  I won’t worry about laundry, cleaning, or scrubbing toilets (well at least for today lol).  I will now bid you all goodnight, hug my kids one last time, and pray society gets their act together.