Category: Uncategorized

Uncategorized

Sixteen miler on Saturday!

Movin' it with Michelle

My last post, well, was a downer, and for that I apologize.  Darn funks suck…LOL 

So last night I committed to running with the Fox Valley marathon running group this morning.   I told myself, YOU WILL, and YOU CAN do this…so I set out all of my clothes, gear, and items needed for an early morning run.  I had doubts I could finish 16 miles, but told myself I would run smart and go with the 10:30 pace group vs. the 10:00 pacer in order to give myself some slack…

I set my alarm for 5:15, knowing I was set and ready to run.  I snoozed twice, and nearly jumped out of bed because I didn’t want to be late.  Got dressed, ready, and had my protein bar on the way to the trail.  Although I am not a morning person I will admit watching the sun rise of the Fox River was truly breathtaking. 

I started strong, keeping at the head of the pack with the pacer.  Thanks goodness for my newfound friend, Jim who was leading the group.  We hit the trails promptly at 6:30.   I had drank too much water so needed a bio break around the 2 mile mark.  I still felt good, although the nagging knee pain and Achilles tendons pulling caused me to slow down around mile 10.  I tried keeping with the group, but decided I needed to stop and stretch things out.  I tried keeping the group in my sites, but by mile 12 I had lost them from my consequent walk breaks.  But I was still in it…

I met up with a couple girls near the water stop and was blessed a girl named Carla wanted to stick with me.  We pushed through to mile 14 and stopped for a quick bio break.   I took a cliff shot block around mile 8, and another at mile 12.  I NEEDED to finish this run. 

We came around the bend at mile 15, and I knew I could finish!  My feet hurt, my knee was screaming, and my breathing wavered…but I finished…

16.05 miles, in 2:55…not my best run by far.  But a success because I completed it none the less…I wasn’t excited about the 10:54 pace, but still thankful I completed my mileage.  Now with aching feet, a blister the size of Texas on my “abnormally long second toe” as my sister’s friend commented, I will settle down with a cocktail.  J

Can I really do TEN more miles?  Ack!

I got home around 10:30, and noticed I had the chills pretty bad so took a warm Epsom salt bath to warm up, and relax.  After which I iced my knee for a good hour, and slept peacefully on my recliner. 

The day then transformed in to going to my sister’s kids birthday party.  What a blast to hang out with family and friends. 

Life.  Is.  Good.
Uncategorized

Mini-vaca and Empanadas…

Movin' it with Michelle

 So let’s start by saying my training last week, well, sucked to say the least.  But I managed 2 runs, 2 LONG walks, and 2 swims so I guess that is better than nothing.  My mileage spoke otherwise, but this is a new week, RIGHT! 

I spent 4 days in Minnesota, and had a complete blast seeing my family.  We got to MN late afternoon on Thursday, and just HAD to hit the Mall of America.  The kids loved it!  We had dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp (great atmosphere for fun, but food was overpriced for the quality) and rode rides and walked the mall. It was a wonderful evening. 

Friday we of course went BACK to the mall for a few hours, and my husband surprised me by getting me my DREAM ring.  We got quite the deal for shopping at Ben Bridge jewelers, as this is where we bought our original set 8 years ago.  They gave us full value for my original engagement ring, and although I hated to give it up, I know my band is the original band and that my husband helped pick this beautiful piece out for me!

After shopping we went to my Uncle Ron/Aunt Barb’s house for dinner and a boat ride.  It was just awesome to be able to see both sides of my gi-normous family, and the kids had fun playing with their cousins. 

Saturday was the reunion, and I saw people I hadn’t seen in nearly 10 years, if not more.  I am blessed and reminded that my family is my constant whether or not we live near each other. 

We got home late Sunday, and after over 1000 miles in the car over 4 days, my legs and knees were aching.  So I took a nice long hot Epsom salt bath which helped tremendously, and settled in to getting the house cleaned and laundry done…well, started anyway, LOL…

Today I took the day off knowing we’d get home late and a ton of housework needed to be done.  I kept Sophia home instead of taking her to day care and was woken up with her cooking me breakfast on her play kitchen.  TOO CUTE!!!

We cleaned, painted toe nails, and then my cooking escapade ensued.  I made homemade chicken empanadas, fresh out of my neighbors garden roasted squash with garlic and shallots, and re fried beans from a can-dressed up! 

Here you can see step by step what I did…

Cube 4 chicken breasts rather small and add salt, pepper, lime juice, chili powder, adobo seasoning and fajita seasoning.  Let this sit while you prepare the diced red onion, garlic, capers, and olives.

Mix these four ingredients into a bowl, and then saute’ over medium heat until slightly translucent.  Next, add your chicken that has been marinating. 

Once cooked, take off the heat and let cool completely. 

The dough was rather easy, and I DON’T do well with baking…Simply at 3 cups of flour to 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl.  In a second bowl, whisk 1 egg, and 1 egg white with a teaspoon of vinegar. 

Cut in 3 teaspoons of shortening, and then mix the wet and dry mixture together, being careful to not over knead.  Once a nice ball is formed, wrap in plastic and place in the fridge for an hour.  While this was chilling and my meat was cooling, I made my famous dipping sauce that my whole family loves. 
Three spoonfulls of mayo, 2 spoonfulls of sour cream, 2 cloves of garlic grated on a micro-grater, kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper and 2 green onions finely chopped make this sauce a WIN!

Next I prepared my squash by simply peeling, cubing, and adding salt, pepper and a touch of cayenne as well as minced garlic and shallots.  I roasted the squash for about 35 minutes at 350 degrees.  At 25 minutes, I added half a can of diced tomatoes as well as chopped green onion and cooked the remaining 10 minutes.  YUM!

Now it was time to roll out the dough and start assembling my empanadas!

(I used a martini glass to cut these out, worked perfectly!!)

Make sure not to overstuff, and crimp with a fork to keep your stuff from pouring out!

Brush with an egg wash, and sprinkle with chili powder and ciliantro for color!  I baked for about 35 minutes at 350 degrees!

Here is the complete meal (apologies for the paper plates, after 2 hours of cooking I didn’t feel like doing more dishes, LOL), with doctored up refried beans…added some smoked paprika, garlic, salt, pepper and cilantro for awesome flavor!!!

Thanks for hanging in there for this long post!!!  Hope you all have a wonderful week!!!

Uncategorized

Mid Week musings…

Movin' it with Michelle

Life has a funny way of working itself out, even when we aren’t sure of the path that’s been chosen for us…yet often times I find myself questioning this path, I have to be confident I am exactly where I am meant to be. 

I am still struggling with ‘things’ and I have found myself a little out of sorts lately trying to find my way.  Yet I try to use my commute to and from work to think, reflect, and plan for my future-even if it’s just that particular day.  Yesterday I thought I’d try a new “quicker” way to work, which led me to hit every red light, construction, and traffic up the wazoo…and that was the start of my ‘clears throat’ wonderful day. 

So today I knew I needed to take my comfortable route, and one that gives me beautiful scenery and time to think…My only stretch of interstate is highway 88 for about 8 miles, and as I made it through about my 6th mile on the interstate I got a text from my husband…”Look to your left…”  I was confused, and looked over to see him driving along side of me…CRAZY coincidence as we take a very different route to work minus that stretch of highway.  I smiled, waved, and prayed my day would be better for having been able to see his smile. 

I’ve been emotional lately…maybe just me being confused in my role at work, or maybe the specific instances that tend to happen too often.  So driving home today I was listening to “Red Rag top” by Tim McGraw and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t choked up…yet there on the corner of Rt. 31 and 3rd street in Geneva I just happened to look to my left, and there was my husband smiling, AGAIN.  WOW…Yup, although times may be hard, I am where I meant to be…

Yesterday I needed to get my run in as I know I’ll be out of town this week for our family reunion.  Did I want to remain on the recliner and just close my eyes?  Heck yeah…I waited an hour and no relief in the temperature so at 7:30 I hit the trails near my house.  I don’t like these trails, but they get the job done…

I have a new found love affair with ‘Nathan’…who is Nathan you ask after I’ve just gushed about my husband?  Nathan is my water bottle that I loath to carry with me on runs, but who keeps me hydrated at the same time.  I brought him with me, and he gave me the extra fuel I needed to get my 4.25 miles done, and with an 8:44 mile to wrap up my run.  Average 9:10 pace.  I love pushing myself on these short runs, and it’s improved my long runs tremendously.   HELL YEAH.  I’ve logged almost 500 miles since starting my training, so I am pretty proud of that!

I’ve now packed and gotten ready for our trip to Minnesota tomorrow, and even packed my running gear.  I hope to get at least one run in at the hotel.  I have 12 miles due on Sunday, and hope I am able to get it done after a 7 hour drive. 

Most of all, I can’t wait to see some family members I haven’t seen in years.  Nothing better than family in my book!

Happy Hump Day! 
Uncategorized

Week 6, and 24 miles later…

Movin' it with Michelle

Last night I decided I wasn’t going to be a wimp anymore and that I would get out there and meet some fellow runners while getting my long run in at the same time.  After several back and forth posts between the Fox Valley Marathon coordinators, and my friend Rob from daily mile, I knew I needed to do this for ME.

Often I say I can’t, quickly followed with, YES I CAN…

So to my husband’s surprise, I set all my clothes out, charged my Garmin and made sure I had my breakfast bar and water bottle ready for the morning run.  The group was running 14, and I had 10 on schedule so my goal was to at least get 10 miles in…

I tossed and turned most of the night…worried I wouldn’t finish…damn those mental devils that sit on our shoulders during training…

I woke up at 5:15 to my preset alarm, and quickly brushed my teeth and hair and got dressed.  Nerves had set in, but I jumped in my jeep and hit Route 31 to meet everyone at Dick Pond in St. Charles.  I read my husband’s facebook post to me, and knew, I could do this…

“So incredibly proud of my wife, who decided to get up at 5:15 in the morning to train for her marathon.  She is my living proof and inspiration that we can achieve anything we want if you just have the courage to follow your passion and listen to your heart. Because at the end of the day… pass or fail… win or loss… you can look at yourself in the mirror, and with smile on your face say… I gave it my all, and nobody can ever take that away!”

The crowd was quiet, and I didn’t really meet anyone at the start other than a quick hello to Rob.  I found my pace group (10:00 mile pace), and promptly at 6:30 we hit the road running. 

I stayed with the group the first hour, and felt good at about a 9:50 pace.  At mile 7 we stopped for drinks and a pottie stop, and I realized I was getting tired, hot, and worn out…I fell back from the group as we continued on to mile 8, but they were still in my sights.  Yet as I saw them in front of me, those mental devils started kicking my ass…”Why are you in a group run if you can’t keep up with the group?”  Bah, I wanted to cry…

But I kept pushing, and at mile 9.5 I took a couple sport beans and kept pushing.  I would stay with the group for a bit, finally chatting a little, but realized I needed to get this done for ME, because I have never been one to quit, well, at anything…So I put in both ear pieces, and tried focusing on the music and trail other than the sweat pouring down my face. 

Mile 11 was better, but by mile 12 I was spent…everything started to hurt, so I allowed myself walk breaks.  A wonderful runner, Tammy, met me at mile 13, and stayed with me until the very end, walking and running that last mile.  We hit the parking lot and I ran my farthest distance to date of 14 miles.  Did it hurt?  Heck yeah…mentally and physically, but I did it!   14 miles…2:25 finish time.  YAHOO!

Thanks to all for the amazing support…xoxo
Uncategorized

Seven (or more) things this Sunday…

Movin' it with Michelle

1.       I am not a morning person.  I never have been, and although I can say I have tried-it just isn’t in my genetic make-up.  I wish I could get up early and run, but I’d much rather cuddle with my dog instead.  J

2.      For those who have known me for quite some time, you know I have struggled with hair loss for years.  Back in ’07 I had some tough times, and with some major weight loss, my hair decided to fall out…I couldn’t afford to get my hair done so in turn my hair suffered.  This last year I have started taking better care of me, and my hair, and I am pleased to say it is finally growing.  YES, this is huge for me.

3.      I love to cook.  More than nearly anything…yet sadly these last few months when my husband was gone I let that passion go by the way side.  I am happy to say I am SO glad he is home, and am happier to be cooking for him.  One day I hope to either take professional cooking classes or go to culinary school. 
cauliflower mash

Risotto

my first attempt at steaks

4.      I love to write.  But I have let time get the best of me and haven’t been writing as much.  My goal is to regroup and hopefully try to self-publish something in the next year. 

5.      I have struggled fitting in with my new job, yet I continue to keep trying to find my way in the amazing hospital I work for each day.  I have to remember for 20 years I was an Airman…this will take time and I need to allow myself time to pave my new path. 

6.      I find complete peace in my family and close friends.  I don’t need much else in life…nope…

7.      I did my first long run in 3 weeks tonight, and although it wasn’t easy, I pushed myself to finish my 8 miles.  Thanks so much to all of you who support me daily…xoxo
Uncategorized

Saturday is always full of something…

Movin' it with Michelle

I am happy to say I have found my mojo again, and realizing things I need to work on with ME, and things I need to not stress about…

I am one who wears her heart on her sleeve, so when I feel I am failing it really hurts.  But with everything in life I am relearning all we can do, is our very best in life.  Naysayers will always exist, and people will put you down even when you think you’ve tried your hardest.  But knowing deep down you’ve done your best is what matters most.  No one is perfect.

So this week despite the heat I made myself get out there and run…I have only logged 6 miles so far, but that is 6 more miles than I ran last week.  Tomorrow I will put in all my efforts for my long run, and hope to log 6-8 miles minimum.  My favorite trails are blocked so I plan on researching a new route tonight. 

The weekends I find solace in my home, and with my family because they truly keep me motivated to be a better person all while letting me be ME no matter what. 

So after my much needed massage I decided to cook a nice family dinner that everyone could enjoy.  Please see my photo montage for a recap…
On the menu was pan seared sea scallops and pasta…
I started by drying my scallops…Julia Childs taught me, always dry your meat!
Next I made the coating for the scallops which was made up of herbs, a couple teaspoons of flour, salt and pepper, and grated garlic.
Next I seasoned the scallops with salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. 

While the scallops rested, I pan seared some bacon and got the water boiling for the pasta. 

To the noodles I added organic butter, Benzinger white wine, Italian seasoning and shallots. 

Next I seared my scallops.  Gordon Ramsey would have been proud…hehe

Lastly I added fresh broccoli to the pasta mix, and let it warm for a few minutes.  The dinner turned out great!!!

In the end, I am praying for a great long run tomorrow.  Trying to get back into my groove, and this wonderful cool front will help greatly!!!

Hope everyone has a blessed week!
❤ Chelle

Uncategorized

More than two things, Tuesday….

Movin' it with Michelle

I didn’t run today.  I normally don’t run 2 days in a row but had hoped to get a run in today despite the weather.  The weather man won…94 degrees at 8 pm, and I succumbed to a Rum Runner and a night on the couch with my husband.  He hit the hay early, and I just washed my jeep inside and out, and am also finishing laundry.  I know I have to get up early, but the respite from work for one day does my soul well…don’t get me wrong…I love my job, but learning not only the bench tech side of my job as well as the supervisor role has led me to a bit of discord.  After 10 months you’d think I’d have it down pat…but well, I don’t.  I never knew being two people at once would be so hard.  Hell, I am a single Mom (meaning Dad duty too) more times than not, but this is a struggle to say the least. 

Today is the 21st anniversary of the year I joined the Air Force.  I signed on the dotted line, and honestly didn’t turn back until I reached retirement age.  I still feel a bit lost…Just last week I had a rough day, so spent my break sitting outside on the patio for a snack.  I remembered 9/11; sitting on the patio in the same way while finding out our country had been hit by attack.  And I found myself reaching for my cover (1 year later) before going inside.  Sadly I had no cover to don. 

I began to recall my anniversary yesterday, and was scoffed by fellow coworkers and friends.   “It’s not a real anniversary anymore” said they…yet over half my life was spent wearing the uniform.  My situations were different from the civilian world, and few here understand.  But yes, I miss my Air Force days each and every moment that I breathe.  I still don’t sleep, I still have memories that haunt me, and I still wish nothing more than to serve my country. 

So I sit here, after not being able to run due to crazy heat, and I tried to fill my evening full of activities.  I cleaned, washed my car, did laundry, spent time with my husband, and now I write…

Today is my favorite holiday.  Independence day…I remember this day all too well while sitting on a flight line at Lackland Air Force base,  San Antonio Texas at the age of 18…We weren’t allowed to celebrate, but I knew serving my country was celebration enough.  As the fighter planes flew overhead, I knew I signed the line smartly, and proudly. 

So now what…

I am a fish out of water, still a year later, finding acceptance from none…and I wonder, did I make a mistake?  Should I have tried harder, worked harder, and stepped up higher?  What happened to my dreams of achieving the rank of Chief Master Sargent? 

But I am reminded that God places us, just where he wants us…and as I drove home tonight after an 11 hour day, I realize I am right where I should be. 

Salutes to those who serve, who have served, and who WILL serve our country proud.  Hold your head high, because very few have the courage to fight for those less fortunate. 
Uncategorized

Week 2 of Marathon training…

Movin' it with Michelle

Well, I should say week 1, but thankfully I am ahead of the curve with my training as I have completed 2 half marathons this spring.  I gave myself a break, and was supposed to start up strong last week…

A migraine, amidst other “life issues” happened, and I only logged 4 miles of running last week.  Epic fail, why yes.  I had planned on running Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, but when a migraine hit me like a Mack truck I was down for the count for a couple days…had planned on running Sunday after my folks left from their weekend visit, and we were hit with crazy storms and a 7+ power outage…yeah, weekend of running was shot. 

Ultimately though, last week taught me a few lessons.  After losing a friend from high school to breast cancer (she was my age-and left 3 young children and a husband behind) I realized just how short life truly is to each one of us.  We all have our bad days, be it work, family, money, you name it…but if we have our health I truly think we should all thank the higher beings above that have granted us the gift of life. 

Today marks 1 year since my Grandma passed…another reason to celebrate life, and all that we are blessed with…I miss her daily…

So tonight, after 1 week without running and 100 degree temps lurking outside, I laced up my shoes and hit the gym.  BOY, bad move…it was hotter in there than outside.  I struggled to get my 3 mile training run in, but I completed it after drowning in sweat.  Bah…

But they all can’t be stellar runs, nor can we always have stellar days…

But I will continue to work hard in my home, my job, and my training.  Lord willing I will have the time and energy to complete this marathon.  I have been making myself go to bed earlier, although it results in me waking up several times, yet I will continue to try and build strength and energy. 

Count your blessings, hug your loved ones, and give your all in each goal you aspire to complete…life truly is short. 
Uncategorized

Let FULL Marathon training, BEGIN!

Movin' it with Michelle

I took the better part of the last 2 weeks OFF…to just heal, rest, and regain my strength after full time training since December.  I needed this break, and took an amazing 5 day trip to see my lifelong friend, Jennifer (that I met nearly 20 years ago while serving in the Air Force together) who now lives in Oklahoma. 
A wonderful dinner and drinks at the Boulevard in OKC

The weekend was filled with talking, drinking, laughing, shopping, and just relaxing.  It was a much needed break after spending over 8 months alone with my kids this last year with literally no breaks, or help. 
us being silly while at Saks

Dorks

Me and Katerina at the pool party

Stavros and his pinata

I took today off to unpack, rest, and do some chores I had let go by the way side.  I set my alarm early to run, but my stomach had different plans, so I took some meds and went back to sleep for a couple hours. 

This training can cause havoc on one’s body, both emotionally and physically.  I see so many have amazing support from parents and friends, yet I ran my last race without a cheering squad.  Yet I didn’t let it stop me, nor will I let myself sit in a funk about it any longer…

So today I laced up my shoes after cooking dinner, and set out for 4 miles…and I did it, aching knee, running nose, and wonky stomach…(I’m sure all the CRAP I ate this past weekend didn’t help!  LOL)…

Week 1 is officially ON, and I pray to keep my physical and emotional strength high! 
Uncategorized

A redo-of Marathon Monday…

Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t run in over a week now…

I feel sluggish, sore, and tired.  But I figure sometimes we need to hit a low, to progress to our “high”…

I have spent the better part of 8 months (separated by 6 months, 4 months each stint) alone and as a single Mom.  I enjoyed nearly ALL of this time, because I was able to not only bond with my girls, but to find a strength in myself I didn’t know I had due to lack of physical support.  You always think people will come to your aid in times of need, yet often times you are left to deal with things, life, etc. on your own.  And I’ve done it, 100% me, all the while the last 4 months training for TWO half marathons. 

Yeah…nothing is impossible…

But we all hit our breaking point, and physically and emotionally I am spent.  So although my marathon training was due to start this past week, I am giving myself a bit of a break to take a deep breath and start over. 

I fly out Wednesday to my best friend’s house, and our major plans include a whole lot of NOTHING…relaxing, talking, and enjoying time. 

Marathon Monday will recap next week…although I was sad to see on daily mile I hadn’t posted in 6 days…I DO realize, we all need a break. 

Can’t wait for my well-deserved break on Wednesday!