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Gluten free Chicken meal

Movin' it with Michelle

I truly am committed to getting healthier and losing some of the pounds I gained over the last summer while training like a mad woman, in turn being hungry ALL the time.  Although I work long hours and have a commute I could do without, I can’t use those factors as excuses to not eat healthy.

On the menu tonight was chicken…organic, healthy, and yummy all in one!

I never really know what I am going to do with my meals, but I try to get inspired by the ingredients. 

I butterflied 4 chicken breasts and placed them in a large mixing bowl.  I like to butterfly thicker cuts of meat during the week because it cuts down on cooking time. 

I then added gluten free teriyaki sauce, as well as ginger, minced garlic, kosher salt, pepper and dried herbs.  I thinly sliced some red onions and mixed well.  I finished it with the zest of one lemon, and the juice of 1/2 of a lemon.  If you juice the lemon into your palm you can catch the seeds. 

This marinade can be found in the organic section of your local market

 
This is an easy way to juice a lemon without a fancy gadget

 

Bake the chicken at 425 for 15 minutes, and then kick down the oven to 375 for 10 minutes.  Easy Peasy!

While the chicken was baking I put organic broccoli in my steamer, added salt and pepper as well as some dried herbs and let it simmer.  Bring the water up to a boil first, and then knock the heat down.  I buy the frozen organic broccoli as it has a longer shelf life and I don’t always have time to hit the grocery store. 

I then made my sauce to drizzle over the chicken.  It was a simple vinaigrette made with spicy mustard, hoison sauce, a splash of white wine vinegar and the juice of the other half of lemon.  Add extra virgin olive oil and whisk and finish with kosher salt and pepper to taste!


The only thing missing from this pic is the white wine vinegar.  You only need a splash1

Time to test my skills and dress my plates!

Yes, that is a swirl of sauce on the plate..bring on Iron Chef!  LOL

Don’t forget to season your bed of lettuce with salt and pepper!  Yes, this is me pretending I am a Chef.  🙂

Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes.  I dressed the plates while my chicken rested, and let me tell you my house smelled amazing!

Who said healthy eating had to be boring?  NOT ME!

 

Once the chicken has rested letting the juices redistribute, you can plate your dish. 

YUM, my kids even loved this!
 

The entire meal took around 40 minutes with prep and cook times.  My family was thrilled with my newest creation which made my day! 

Off topic, I will say that besides running and exercising, cooking truly is my escape.  After a long day at work and finding out my husband will be gone more times than I can count in the next two months, I truly  needed this release.  I am also SO blessed with friends who will be there for me during his absence.  Life.  is.  GOOD. 

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Moving forward with a new name! Thanks for everyone’s input!

Movin' it with Michelle

The new and improved banterings of ME! 

 

Adventures

So today was any normal day at work.  Me still finding my way, yet finding it more and more despite hard times…But I feel better about my job each day as time goes on…and I hope and pray that continues. 

Marathon training is officially OVER!  Wow…although an 18 week program was what I followed, I started the unofficial training 10 months ago and ran 2 half marathons this past spring/early summer.  I ran nearly 600 miles to date so far, and although that isn’t a TON for a lot of runners, well, it’s a BOAT LOAD for me.  A handful of those miles were walking and biking, but very few. 
Still pretty proud of my name being on the wall this year for the Chicago Marathon…:-)

 

With that, I realize now that my legs are SUPER muscular, but the rest of me was ignored.  I sadly forgot the full body work outs the last couple months, and so the ten lbs. I now carry need to be either 1. Shed or 2. Toned. 

Today I loaded up my “LoseIt” app on my Iphone and decided it was time to get in total shape, not just running shape.  I am now tracking my food and calories as WELL as my work outs.  I am still very sore, tired, tight, and emotionally drained but know I can’t quit now.

 

 

Meals

To start the day I had sports beans. Yeah, I am addicted to running food.  I eat these on the way to work to get me going.

For breakfast I had two egg beaters and two pieces of turkey sausage.

Lunch was a yummy bowl of Turkey noodle soup and some crackers. 

For dinner I had a cup of homemade spaghetti.

Workouts

After dinner Jordyn and I changed clothes and hoped on our bikes for a quick easy ride before it got dark outside.  It was nice to get “Betty” back on the road.  I missed her.  We made it 6.24 miles before darkness hit as well as the sky opening up to some night rain showers.  It truly felt amazing.  I plan to do cardio and strength work outs alternating days and go from there.  I realized that although I needed to rest after my 20 miler, it truly was my demise in the end because EVERYTHING was too tight. 

Meet, Betty…my Walmart Schwinn!  Love her!

 

3.1 miles in (halfway mark) we stopped for some silliness-is that a word?
 

So my new goals are to strengthen my legs in order to support my knee, as well as SLOWLY get back in to running. 

People keep asking “When is your next marathon?” and I wish I had an answer.  I don’t know that I will do another, yet…I need to get healthy first!  I have a couple small races in the near future, the first being the Dick Pond Hot Cocoa 8 miler on Saturday.  My plan for this race is to, well, NOT race.  I know, I know…who’d of thought those words would come out of my mouth?

But I will be there to walk/run and support my dear friend Carolyn who has been one of my biggest cheerleaders since I started this madness. 

Lastly, a goal of mine is to write my own cookbook/take cooking classes.  This will be my next milestone!  I hope you all continue to join me! 
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26.2 before I am 40…why yes, I SURE DID!

Movin' it with Michelle

Wow…where do I start.  Some of these miles, markers and the like will be skewed as I found myself never really knowing where I was unless Bobbi would tell me or I would see a mile marker…J

The day started off early, with a 4 a.m. wake up, in time to get dressed and ready and settle down to eat my protein bar.  I drank a bottle of water while I waited for Kyla to pick me up, and away we went to our friend’s house to drop us off at the race.  About half way there I realized I forgot my nose spray (allergy), and hoped that would be the only thing that happened ‘wrong.’

We got to our friend’s hotel to pee, warm up, and calm down before hitting the Congress hotel to pick up my sister.  One more pottie stop and we were ready to hit our corral.  Quick smiles and hugs to Kyla as she sought out the 5:20 pace group and we found our 4:40 pace group…
 

We were ready.   We found Melissa and her friend and got a quick photo up.  I was nervous, excited, and stoked that this day had finally arrived.  At 8:17 we finally crossed the starting line, and my Garmin wouldn’t work.  ‘Wrong thing’ number 2.  But we ran on with Bobbi tracking our time, and we settled in as best we could amidst thousands of runners.
 

We saw our family just past the 1 mile mark, and it did my heart wonders, helping me calm down and settle in.  We saw them again a couple miles later, and it was priceless.    

By mile 7 I had to pee, and after waiting nearly 10 minutes for a porta pottie to open we gave up and hit the road…I started to tighten up, but did my best to ignore it and just take in the atmosphere.  The spectators truly made this race and we had a blast reading signs and high fiving everyone.   Oh, and I truly wanted to run in to the Pancake house we saw at this point and scarf down some pancakes…but I didn’t, LOL. 

Mile 10 we finally were able to make a pit stop and I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.  We salted, fueled, and kept trucking. 

This is when the chaffing occurred.  Really??  I’ve never had this happen EVER.  So I grabbed some vasoline from an aid station and kept running. ‘Wrong thing’ number 3. 
 

At the half way mark we saw my friend Carolyn and crew, and then my friend Andrea.  How truly amazing it is to see your friends and family cheering you on!  Thank you ALL..

And then things started to hurt…I am not used to running in the cold after this hot summer, but we managed to keep trucking…I was still running at this point so I was happy. 

But at mile 17ish, when we saw Carolyn again I stopped to hug her, maybe a bit too long-and when we took off again my knee gave out…literally.  I winced in pain, and the tears quickly followed.  I was afraid I wouldn’t finish.   But there was my sister, cheering me on and never leaving my side…(Bless her)…I cried for a bit, and then decided shuffling along was better than quitting…another great kiss from my husband telling me how proud he was of me as I ran past because I couldn’t stop got me through the next 8 miles.  Mind you my shuffling was no faster than a speed walk, but I was moving…forward.  Andrea jumped in to run with me for a bit around mile 18 and I couldn’t help but to get choked up.  Somewhere in there we stopped at an aid station for my knee and I was able to get some numbing meds….praise Jesus.  It still hurt, but I could at least move. 

I nearly forgot to enjoy myself…nearly.  But through the pain I realized that I was running in the greatest city in the U.S., supported by the greatest fans I have ever met.  Mile 23 we saw our friend Nora from daily mile, and then it started getting real.  And why on earth are they cooking fried yummy smelling food?  ROFL, I was SOOO hungry at this point and a banana did NOT appeal!  LOL!

Mile 20ish the wall truly hit, and I felt every single step, and every single corner we took.  My phone was about to die so I had to turn off my music.  Ack.  ‘Wrong thing’ number 4.

Mile 25…TWENTY FIVE.  And it hit me…I have farther than I have ever run in my entire life.  I could have quit, but I didn’t.  I could have NOT signed up due to a wonky knee, but I didn’t.  I could have bailed 3 weeks ago after my 20 mile and hurting my knee even more, but I didn’t. 

And as we turned the corner with only a ¼ mile to go we saw our families one last time…and it became surreal.  I was now RUNNING at nearly my normal pace, pain free (or just numb) and nothing was going to stop me…we turned our last corner and I saw the finish line.  Bobbi grabbed my hand, and we ran it in strong with tears pouring down my face.  I could barely contain my sobs as we finished and hearing HER say how proud she was of me made it even more worth it all. 

And so with medals, and beer in hand, I was in sheer bliss. 
 
Wrong things and all, this race was a success in a 5:23 finish.  Not my time goal, but my finish goal is now complete. 
I am in awe of my friends and family…truly. 

Thank you ALL for your amazing support. 

A new name for this blog will follow this week, as I tackle new dreams and keep moving forward. 

Love you all!
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ONE day…11 hours…02 minutes…

Movin' it with Michelle

I have dreamed for this goal for longer than I can recall…

I have worked for this set goal for 10 months…

And now momentary freak out has occurred.  I am watching the weather.  I am watching the clock.  I am setting and re-setting out my gear.  I am doubting myself. Again.  I am proud of myself.  I am wondering if my play list is good enough.  Did I charge my Garmin?  Where did I put my jellys…am I packing enough Shot Bloks?  Did I remember my salt tabs…oh shit, don’t forget my gum-I can’t run without gum.  Will it be too cold?  Do I wear capri’s under my skirt?  Have I eaten ok this week?  Am I too bloated?  Will my darn KNEE hold out?  Is that a new pain I feel in my shin?  Shit, where are my shoes.  Should I wear my new knee brace or go with the old ratty one…Wait, what do I do if my knee gives out?  Can I RUN 26.2 miles?  I’ve only gone 20 miles twice…Can I mentally pull this rabbit out of my hat?  What if my stomach blows…what if my knee blows…what if my IT band screams.  BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Ok…SO in my momentary freak out mode, unable to load new music, unable to concentrate, and near tears I texted Kyla.  We may not be running this entire race together but we’ve trained for quite a few months together and plan on starting together.  She has been my rock, my smile, and my saving grace.  So I sent her a text tonight during the above said freak out, and she reminded me…BREATHE…stop…SMILE…and enjoy all of the efforts we put in to our training. 

This isn’t supposed to feel good (totally) physically.  Shit is going to hurt.  But in the end the mental triumph TRUMPS all that pain. 

I am truly amazed by the unending support of people.  People I know well, people I barely know, and people I have never physically met. 

 

Crap…where are my shoes…J
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In 2 days, 9 hours, and 40+ minutes I will be toeing the line for the greatest race of my life

Movin' it with Michelle

But I will add the caveat that this is the greatest RUNNING race of my life, for I have raced so many other “life” challenges that I can honestly say I have already won my own personal race. 

I have hit my lowest point, more times than I can count.  And repeatedly I have gotten back up after falling, and ‘re-laced my shoes.”

I think this is why I love running so much.  You may have the crappiest run, sorriest race, or saddest performance.  But tomorrow, you can put your shoes back on and try again.  It is the same with life and all it hands us daily. 

We all have ailments, issues, and pressures that can ultimately keep us from our goals.  But if we KEEP PUSHING FORWARD, nothing can truly stop us from fulfilling our goals.  The only thing holding US back is, well, US.  Living in the past, hanging on to hard times, or wallowing in our sorrows only hurts US. 

Lately I have worried about my physical well-being which in turned hurt my mental well-being.  I have spent the last few days crying over nearly everything.  Wondering would I cross that finish line on Sunday…would I?  I cried the entire way home from work, feeling isolated from even my own family.  Yet I came home to find my husband and daughters bought me 2 dozen roses just because…just because they love me.  They know I am stressed, scared, excited, and in need of a good run. 

But tonight my amazing massage therapist (Kim, at Massage Envy in South Elgin) was selfless, and came in on her day off to give me a 2 hour massage for my IT band, knee, feet, and hammies.  She knows what this means to me after having me as a client this entire training process.  She has changed my life in the fact she helped work out more kinks than I care to admit.  She wouldn’t let me give up.  And she believes in me, so much so she has volunteered to work the medical tent on Sunday.  I truly love this woman.  She is giving so much of herself, not only for me but for the other runners.  What an amazing woman.  Thankfully I have an appointment for NEXT Saturday, after my 8 miler to hopefully fix all that I may break, LOL. 

Lastly, best of luck to my fellow runners.  May you find your inner peace, outer strength, and have the wind in your sails. 

Bring on Chicago people.  No stopping me now. 
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T-4…no looking back.

Movin' it with Michelle

I was getting caught up in not running very much in the last 3 weeks.  But then my friend Kyla reminded me that I have done the work, and I should be thankful I am healthy enough to even ATTEMPT running a marathon.  She came over tonight so we could discuss outfits (very important, yet not so much in the scheme of things) and it was great to introduce her to my family. 

Some runners spaz over outfits, gear, music, you name it…I too am very OCD when it comes to planning for race day.  Even now, 4 days out I have my fuel belt packed, my outfit set out, my Garmin charged and all my required items sitting on the kitchen counter. 

I honestly can’t think of much else these days…

My sis balked at me trying a new shirt, yet clothes have never been an issue for me as long as they are comfy and I know the brands.  Sure, I bought a new bright orange loose fitting tank…have I worn it outside of the house?  Nope…will it be an issue?  Nope.  My focus is on the run, my legs moving, and my mind staying strong. 

Of course we are all different and have our own ‘spaz items.’  Clothes simply aren’t one of mine.  More so I have never chaffed except for my feet, so I suppose I am blessed in that area. 

Take away my fuel belt, my music, or my Garmin and I may have an issue…LOL. 

So here we are…FOUR more days…to add in my always busy career…may my mind find peace and rest Friday night and Saturday so I can feel like I can do EPIC SH$#! 

I have been eating well all week, and getting what little rest I can with a busy career and two kids in school. My husband is completely irritated with me, probably because 1. I haven’t ran since Saturday and 2. Well, because I am a wreck.  But in a good way.

Cheers to all the runners, spectators, supporters, friends, family, and fellow bloggers who understand where I’ve been, and where I am at today.  XOXO
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T-5…I (think) know I am ready.

Movin' it with Michelle

I have always loved running.  I picked this sport as a 7thgrader because honestly I wasn’t good at many sports, and this one had the autonomy I needed.  I ran, and I ran for me…of course in Jr. High and High school you would get caught up in placing, but still, I ran for me and me alone. 

This was the one place I could be with myself in my head, inviting no one, and relishing in every thought I had or didn’t want to have.  I could push thoughts back, or push them to the forefront where I would deal, delve and devise plans for my success.  I was on the road, trails, treadmill or track and no matter the venue the run was mine alone. 

I didn’t run distance for the better part of my 20 years in the Air Force.  3 miles here, 7 miles there, but nothing to really get excited about until 2007 when I trained ‘quickly’ for my first ½ marathon.  I finished, and proudly strong…

Now, well, to now…

I have been training since December of last year.  I started very small, and worked my way up to running to ½ marathons.  One turned out terrible, and the second I redeemed myself with a 2:11 PR. 

This week is the last week before my Chicago full.  My 26.2 miles.  And I am so proud of all I have done, and all I have achieved. 

I watched “The Spirit of the Marathon” sent by my sister…and I cried.  Heck, I have been crying for a few days now.  My emotions are at an all time high.  Heck, what will I talk about after this?
 

 

Thank you, to you all…my 54 followers, my readers from facebook, and my family.  I am in awe.   

 

 
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T-6 days…really? The hay is in the barn.

Movin' it with Michelle

I know you will all be happy when this journey has found it’s finish so these countdowns will end, LOL. 

But in all honestly I am amazed by the rollercoaster ride this training has set me on in life.   And more so I wouldn’t trade the journey for the world.

I have found more strength in my heart and physically than I thought possible. 

I have met amazing friends while training that have helped me so much!

I have regained my self-esteem somewhat, and that is huge. 

I have realized who truly supports me, and the people that are just are fair weather friends. 

I have let some dreams go by the way side while training, but I know those dreams still await me.

I have listened and taken so much advice, and am thankful for Tylenol tonight.  Who’d of thought this magic little pill would take away my pain?  (Me not being a pill taker, this is awesome to find out!)

I have received my new knee brace in the mail, and am completely stoked. 

I have spent the weekend with my family and friends, and couldn’t honestly ask for more in life. 

I have stopped feeling sorry for myself, and have realized that only I can find my inner strength. 

I have allowed myself to lie on the couch and be lazy while watching football with my husband, and catching up on shows I haven’t watched in years.  I was in tears watching Grey’s Anatomy series premier from last week…WOW…

The pattern in this post is simple.  I HAVE.   No more what ifs, maybe someday or when the time is right…

I HAVE.  AND I WILL. 

So today after spending a lazy afternoon in my jammies I cleaned the house, did laundry and allowed myself the time to cook a nice dinner for my family.  While the hubby prepared steaks to grill, I made brown rice infused with Spanish saffron, garlic, green peppers, jalapeño, red onion, black eyed peas, and basil.  This was all sautéed in bacon which of course makes it better!  Everything was organic, and I drained the grease from the bacon so made it a touch healthier.  I added a side of steamed broccoli and dinner was served.  YUM.  My next goal is to write my own cook book…stand by!

Lastly I will say this. 

ONE MORE WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  CAN YOU BELIEVE IT????????? 

Best of luck to all my friends running on Sunday.  May you find your pace, feel the wind on your back, and your mind at peace.

The hay is in the barn. 

 
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T-9 days…wow…

Movin' it with Michelle

Ok, so I moved here last year and told my sister she HAD to do a marathon with me before I turn 40…she just HAD to…Although I have been running for nearly my whole adult life, a 13.1 distance was the farthest I had ever gone.  Ever. 

So back track now after one marathon that I registered for in 2010 and wasn’t able to complete, to now…8 months later and I can’t help but to smile. 

I will remember February 1st, 2012 for quite some time as this day was the day I made a choice, and haven’t turned back.  (See my post here on the night before signing up-http://chellesjourneys.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-got-thistomorrow-is-day.html

Bobbi and I planned it to get on the phone right when registration opened, and do it together.  Pretty darn epic if you ask me.  J  One…two…three…CLICK!  It was pretty cool. 

So now my mind is going in a million directions…

Where my mind is at just over a week out:

-Need to get my massage, and ASAP…my therapist is an expert in sports massage.  Have one scheduled for Thursday and she may squeeze me in tomorrow for an hour or so. 

-Keep the legs moving, even if it’s just walking/biking etc.  I don’t want to tighten up now.

-Focus on the health of my knee and IT band (which loves to aggravate my knee).

-Ordered my new brace, just waiting for it to come in.

-Broke down and ordered the CORRECT skirt with shorts underneath, just in case I happen to fall, I SURELY don’t want to flash everyone…GAH. 

-Reach out to fellow runners, family, and friends.  This is something I’ve dreamt of for AGES.  Since I was a kid.  This will be my moment, and no one better understands than fellow runners. 

-Remember that even if I get to a hard point in the race, my awesome friend Andrea (DO EPIC SHIT) will be down there at the 20 mile mark with promises of beer and Ibuprofen.  No, really.  J 

-Stalk the weather, but only in order to prepare NOT to stress.  Everyone talks of their love to run in the rain, and I am sadly not a fan.  But I will make the most of whatever Mother Nature gives us…(just please, NOT 90 degrees, and NOT pouring rain…I will say sure to sprinkles-K?)  Today Accuweather showed highs of 50’s and NO rain.  YAHOO!  Although I need to find sleeves as my outfit is a tank and skirt…

-Got my hair done.  Yeah, even if I look like I want to die, at least my roots are good to go. 
 

Last minute thoughts…

Thankfully I am very organized, so getting things together won’t be an issue.  I am thankful I signed up for a few races over the spring and summer so I could be more of a prepared “racer.” 

I am still in awe of the support I have gotten from my fellow runners through dailymile, my blog and the Fox Valley marathon crew. 

Lastly, while driving home from work today and embracing all of the beautiful fall colors the Midwest provides, I worked on envisioning myself finishing this marathon.  Often times I wonder, “Can I do this?” instead of saying, “YOU CAN DO THIS.”  So I pictured my sister, my friend Kyla and myself crossing the finish line…in doing so I had to choke back the tears.  No more self-doubt…nope.  I have trained, have listened to my body when I was hurting, and have prepared to the best of my ability.  

T-9 days…I got this…
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T-11 days…’Almost’ Wordless Wednesday

Movin' it with Michelle

Busy day at work.

Both kiddos coming down with…something.

Wish I lived in a bubble. 

Mind is full of, well crap.

Did a small fitness work out today.

Contacts, are, well, weird.  Today was my second evening of testing them out.  What the hell, a piece of plastic on my eyeball is supposed to feel normal?  Gosh I hope soon cuz I loath glasses. 

Tomorrow is my “let us squash your boobies” appointment to make sure the lump I felt was nothing.

Tapering, well, sucks.  Although gives your body the rest you need, I find it makes me feel lazy.  I am NOT lazy.  But resting is key.  Did what I could today.

Yup.  That’s it. 

Thanks, Jessy, for this…