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Week 6 of ½ marathon training

Movin' it with Michelle
As most of you know, my ultimate goal/plan is to run the Chicago Marathon on October 7th.  And I have the Fox Valley 20 miler planned just 2 weeks prior in September. 

Knowing I needed to take baby steps on this journey, I registered for the Chi-town ½ which is being held in Schaumberg, IL on the 20th of May.  I figured this would keep me motivated, going, pushing, and running throughout the spring and early summer before my official training started.  My husband may be gone, but I have goals to push towards!


I STARTED running again in December, slow, yet steady, and am now finally feeling like I am “in training.”  Today, I wanted to come home from work and lay on the couch, but my 4 mile run called my name. 

I fed the kids; made sure the dog was taken out, and hit the neighborhood running/bike trails. My right entire  right leg was hurting, from my toes to my hip, but I know you can’t get to your goal without a little bit of struggling. 

And a struggle this run was…I was feeling a bit “off” which didn’t help…I’d have given anything to have my sister by my side-so spoiled Saturday…but I ran straight through two miles and gave myself a moment to regain momentum. The last two miles were dead against the wind, but I refused to let the wind, WIN.  Nope.  I may have had to stop on the bridge over Randall Rd to catch my breath…but I kept pushing.  I finished 4.15 miles in just over 38 minutes, and was greeted by my kids playing in the front yard. 

Odd note…I took my Epson salt bath, and got Sophia her bath as well.  But while getting dressed I finally started to see the difference this training is making.  I have altered my lifestyle, be it between eating, and working out-and it’s paying off (I hope!)! 

This made my day…

Tomorrow is cross training day, BRING IT ON!
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Sunday Funday?

Movin' it with Michelle
I ran nearly 8 (7.8) miles yesterday, and had hoped for a run today.  Yet my knee and my TOES were not feeling it.  I woke up early to take my favorite little boy to the groomers.  His poor feet get ingrown hairs, and he was due for a bath and pampering.  Easter is next weekend and we are driving north almost 3 hours to my folks so I wanted to make sure he was ready and got the attention he needed.  His ears often are a problem, so it was nice to have the groomers clean every nook and cranny for Sammy. 

I had contemplated a lazy day, yet knew the garden needed work.  So the girls and I headed to our favorite diner for lunch and afterwards hit all the local garden stores to prep our garden and yard for spring.  I do pay someone to mow the acre and a half that we own, but I tend to the rest of the yard myself. 

We purchased a bird bath along with various flowers to make the yard our own.  Jordyn dived in helping me plant tulips along with putting up a decorative fence around the garden in hopes the bunnies don’t eat my flowers this year. 

The run still loomed in the back of my mind, but I was having too much fun with the girls.  I decided today was the perfect day to lay the weed and feed on the grass, so I hauled the huge bags of treatment while dumping them into the handheld spreader, and I laid the feed up and down our 1.5 acres.  By the end of the spreading I was spent, so I decided a rest day was going to be allowed. 

I made the kids pasta left overs for dinner, and hit the laundry with a vengeance.  Yet…the washer locked up WITH MY RUNNING PANTS HELD WITHIN THE BARREL, and I flipped out.  I am a Mom, homemaker, career woman, gardener, cook, maid, and now Mrs. Fix-it? Bah…but I did it…I finagled the washer, getting it open and tightening the screws on the lid.  My running pants are now happily tumbling in the dryer after a minor heart attack.  My coffee is brewed, my lunch is made, and the kids snacks are packed…I had hoped to call it a night before 11 tonight, but time got away from me as usual. 

Tomorrow I hope for a 4 mile run…a good day at work, and mostly happy kids. 

Love and blessings!

~Chelle
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Sisterly Saturday Splits!

Movin' it with Michelle
I normally get my long run out of the way during the week so I can relax with the girls on the weekend, but today I was blessed that my sister called in the middle of the week to schedule not only time together BUT also that she would do my long run with me!  Admittedly I was terrified completely nervous, especially after not getting a very good night’s sleep in, but I got up and started hydrating as well as eating breakfast and a snack of a protein bar a couple hours later. 

I had a pasta dinner prepared for our post run, and everything was in order when she and her family arrived.  I had already gotten ready with running clothes donned, but I of course still wore my beloved slippers until it was time to throw on the ‘kicks.
my slippers rock, oh yeah!

Keep in mind first, that my sister is on an advanced training plan as she is a seasoned marathoner.  I myself, although a seasoned runner, am NOT seasoned at racing.  The ½ marathon in May will only be my second, and the Chicago marathon in October is my very first.  But she was sweet enough to scale back for me today, and what a blessing it truly was to run with my SISTER!!!  I nearly cried when I saw how far we ran, and at what an amazing pace/splits.  And to hear her say, “You are going strong,” and motivating me with stories and tips, I knew I could keep running!  I only stopped around the 4.24 mile mark when we hit the HILL FROM HELL.  She was trucking up that hill like a mad woman, and I did my best to keep up!  But once we gave it our all I realized OH CRAP, I need to stop and catch my breath and stretch!  We stopped briefly for about a minute and regained our pace.  Then we hit the last couple of miles which usually suck-and we kicked it up!!!  We rocked it!!!!!
Love this woman!

My sister has her hands full with four kids, and had a full schedule of dental appointments this morning with the family yet she took the time today to run WITH ME.  I am on cloud nine now, even with aching feet and all around a bit tired.  But after a bunch of self-doubt of, “Can I DO this?”  And “Am I freaking crazy?”  She helped show me that I CAN, if I simply listen to my body and never, ever quit. 

We finished 7.8 miles in 1:20, and our splits were amazing for me!  10:19, 10:35, 10:29, 10:38 (HILL FROM HELL), 10:30, 10:04, 10:03, 7:36 splits!!!

Thanks to my beloved sister, and all of my amazing supporters that comment and post on my FB to help keep me in line…You guys are the best!!!
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Fan-tab-ulous Friday…Why yes…

Movin' it with Michelle
I will first like to note that yes, I know I’ve had more than my fair share of bad days lately.  Those that took the time to read my blog, comment, call, and show concern-OMG thank you.  Although I had hoped to be used to taking care of the kids on my own, I now know that no one gets used to being without their best friend, spouse, soul mate, and father of their children. 

A small caveat to this is that I’ve lived a very hard life.  I’ve been through more than most nearly 40 year olds…Just 10 years ago I lived in an old trailer home located on Scott AFB.  But even then, I did it with a pride I’ve seen in few.  I spent hours in my yard and garden, and had it decorated immaculately.  I was recently divorced and a single Mom, but I had great friends and had a new found belief in MYSELF. 

I moved with my then 3 year old daughter, Jordyn to Alaska to venture on to new and exciting journeys while being stationed in Anchorage.  I worked hard, saved, and got myself out of debt in order to buy our first home.  It was a beautiful townhouse in Anchorage, and I will always have fond memories of this home.  I met Brian just 8 months after arriving in Alaska, and I loved him from the first time his eyes met mine.  I tried to fight it, told him I’d never marry again and that the only thing I could offer was a causal relationship.  Yet just a few weeks later I knew in my heart of hearts I was in love and couldn’t spend a day of my life without him.  He left a few months later for Afghanistan, and our love affair only developed.  Just a month after his arrival home nearly a year later, we were engaged and married in November of 2004. 

Although yes this may sound like a complete fairy tale, I can attest to the fact that we struggled for quite a few years.  Financially, emotionally, and even physically when my health started to fade after the birth of my youngest.  And this is where my love affair for running was reborn. 

I decided on a whim to run the San Antonio ½ marathon in late September.  The race was in November.  But I needed it…I needed SOMETHING for me and me alone.  And I did it-without walking which was my goal-in 2:19. 

Now, 5 years later and a marathon entry that I didn’t complete under my belt-I know this year is mine…My husband may not be here to support me, but he does in his own special way.  I continue to train, to fight, and to push forward even while he is away.  I take care of our home, our kids, but refuse to let my goals surpass me this time. 

So after feeling pretty run down the last couple weeks I succumbed to taking a day off work, which I never do…but I knew it was needed.   Soph wanted to go to Kinder care, so I dropped her off and went for a beautiful run. 

I then came home to find THIS on my door step.  WOWOWOWOWOW!  He wanted to cheer me up…sigh…

J and I went to see the Hunger games as a Mommy/daughter date, and we had a blast.  We finished the night with Red Robin and chilling at home.

I should be cleaning, but I am letting myself relax.  I have learned over these last few months that my support system is amazing be it from lifelong friends, or friends I have never even physically met…and my folks and sister do amazing at always checking on me. 

Tomorrow is my 7 miles…SEVEN…may sound small to some, but I am nervous!  Thank you Bobbi for driving down to run with me!!!!  XOXO!!!
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Sunday Summation

Movin' it with Michelle
This weekend went by with a whirlwind.  It seems crazy that I am writing this on Sunday night, for it feels I was just sitting in this spot on Friday! 

Recap of last week’s runs/workouts:

Monday-rest

Tuesday-long run of 5 miles in 51:00

Wednesday-rest

Thursday-2.6 miles in 26:00

Friday was supposed to run, but little one wasn’t feeling well

Saturday-scheduled for a 5K but due to rain made it 2.58 in 24:00 (darn this would’ve been a PR!)

Saturday did some fitness-200 sit-ups, 65 pushups, and 4 sets of IT band exercises (30 each)

Sunday I walked, walked, and walked some more.  I walked around 4 miles, but not sure the time. 

My goal was to hit 4 runs minimum this week, but I fell short due to…well, life.  Hoping next week I can fit 4 runs in! 

Yet today I can’t complain about not running, because my neighbors invited me to their son’s Confirmation brunch, and then this evening to see his band play at a local venue.  As some of you know, I have put myself in the antisocial box for a good 6 years…Knowing this is something I did to myself, I have been trying to ‘get back out there’ and not hide within the walls of my home as I did while living in Texas.  So I’ve been saying “Yes” to invites, and getting out and about to enjoy our new life and honestly have no regrets. 
Great music!

After 20 years of wearing a uniform I have a new found love for shoes and clothes.  It is currently my new weakness!  Argh!  Thankfully I shop wisely, but I am finding it to be a bit of an addiction!!!  LOL!!  Thank goodness I have two girls who also love to shop, so we have been keeping busy while Brian is gone.  Yesterday we were able to start on the girl’s spring wardrobe, and today we went shoe shopping and I was able to purchase a few new shirts for myself!  I also snuck on the MAC website, and replenished some very old make-up that needed replacing!  YAY!  And free shipping included!!  I love to bargain shop, but also believe in quality. 
Sophia and her new shoes!

First topless Jeep ride this spring

I hope everyone has a great week! 
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It’s almost Friday!!!

Movin' it with Michelle
I wasn’t going to write tonight…for Thursday is one of my favorite days of the week and I was left feeling bubble gut after a few sleepless nights and didn’t want to bring anyone down. 

I got home from work after barely being able to hold my eyes open, and fed the girls an easy dinner of chicken nuggets, fruit, and rice crackers.  I had a protein meal bar as I was nervous about my tummy.  I asked them to please let Mommy just rest on her recliner for a few moments, because I really wanted to run this evening.  Bless my girls, after a bit of arguing during dinner they retired to the couch to watch a movie so I could lie down and just try and regroup.  I relaxed quietly in my recliner (my FAVORITE spot) and had classical music playing quietly in the background.  The birds were chirping noisily, and I loved it.  My home truly is my place of peace.  I was able to nod off for about 20 minutes, and I collected myself and changed into my running clothes. 

I wish I had some extravagant run to report, but I simply ran through my neighborhood alone, with my music and the birds quietly keeping me company.  I was shooting for 3 miles, but ran out of daylight.  So I satisfied myself with 2.6 miles at around a 10 minute pace and was pleased none the less.  Tomorrow I hope to get at least a couple more miles in, as we have a busy weekend planned as usual. 

But my lesson from today is that no matter how hard the day, how tired I may be, I was able to dig deep and at least get my butt out there and run.  I took a fellow runners advice and put Vaseline on my aching toes, and I feel like it made a difference. 

I got a new knee brace today.  Mind you I have tried, bought, and experimented with every knee brace out there.  Yet the other day I decided to “go back to my roots” and get an updated version of the brace I used in ’07.  What a difference I think it made!  It’s by “Pro-tec” and is called “The Lift.”  It stabilizes and reduces strain to the patellar tendon, as well as gives the support of a sleeve.  LOVE!  I wish I could have gone a mile or two more.  Although I got my technical “long run” in on Tuesday, I know hope to plan better and get these in when I have more time.  Although my training plan has me at 4 miles this week, and 5 next for my long run, I am trying to work a little harder and maybe get 6 in and stay ahead of the game.  Those of you that know me know I am NOT a procrastinator, and work my hardest to get things done early, and done right.  With my crazy right leg I won’t push things too hard, but plan on making sure I am ready for my Half in May and my FULL in the fall.  Today I was supposed to do 3, and fell a bit short so I am hoping to make up for it this weekend. 

Lastly, I finally got to have a nice conversation with my husband.  Although he isn’t feeling well, we were able to chat for almost 30 minutes, and it refreshed me in ways I can’t explain.  He truly is my rock, and to hear him say, “Nice pace, babe!” made my heart sing. 

Happy soon to be Friday everyone…may you all have a blessed weekend. 
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My summation of this Sunday…

Movin' it with Michelle
I woke up with a killer post massage headache…the kind where you feel you can’t lift your head off the pillow and want to cry but won’t because well, that will make your head hurt worse…So I got up and took some meds, drank water, and laid back down for about an hour.  Thankfully Sophia was patient and let “momma rest.”  I had thought about doing NOTHING today, just lying in our jammies and watching movies sounded quite nice.  But the sun was peeking out from behind the clouds and I knew we needed to get OUT. 

So we all got showered, dressed and ready and decided we’d hit the Fox River to feed the ducks/birds.  We shuffled through the pantry to find what crackers and other items the birds could eat had gotten stale, and packed up the Jeep and headed out.  It was 68 degrees today, and I was in heaven. 

With crackers in hand, we headed down to the river and had a BLAST.  It was just what we all needed after a long week. 

We decided to hit up a pizza place we hadn’t gone to yet, and had a late lunch/early dinner.  I was “being good” and ordered a salad for myself and pizza for the girls.  But WOW, it smelled so good so I snuck two small pieces.  This was around 3:30 in the afternoon, and I thought for sure I would be fine to run in the evening around 5:30…I had 4-5 miles scheduled, and was looking forward to running outside. 

After eating, we walked for another good hour, and decided to head home.  I changed in to my running gear, strapped on my Garmin and IPod, and headed out.

The first mile was ‘ok’…and I know I pushed it too hard with a 9:46 pace.  Second mile the wind started to wrap it’s deathly arms around me, and the small hills in my neighborhood kicked my ass.  I moved up to around 10:04…with the looming undigested pizza in my stomach, I knew 4 miles wasn’t going to happen.  Not today.  So I called it at 2.6. 

Although not what I was gearing for, I at least got out there and ran. 

I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed weekend!
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My motivation for Monday

Movin' it with Michelle
First off, I downloaded the 1/2 marathon training plan from Hal Higdon. I used him back in ’07 and he didn’t fail me. My days may be off due to busy weekends, but I know which runs I need to get in each week. Half-Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program

I started my “pre-training” over Christmas. I haven’t trained since ’07 due to injury, time, and plain being busy. I’ve been averaging about 13-15 miles per week. But this week it’s time to step it up.

My plan shows I should be at 12, with a 4 mile long run so I am praying I am ahead of the game.

Tomorrow I am due for my “long run” so hope to pull at least 6, with lack of sleep we shall see. I know here in a few weeks I need to be up to 7 so I plan on pushing forward.   

Yet we all struggle, we all have our “Green eyed monster” as TX Mommy listed…we are all only human. It’s natural to be jealous of others, their jobs, status, health and lifestyle…you name it. But I have found this jealousy only leads to heart ache. For we can only be the best WE can be, and it is too hard to try and compare our lives to others. So we try and show support, although sometimes it is shunned, we keep pushing forward. I wish my knee was better; my hip didn’t ache as if I was 95 years old, but I continue working to strengthen myself, physically and spiritually.  We all wish we had more time to train, be there for our family and friends…but hey, there are only 24 hours in a day.  I average 4-5 of sleep, the rest is dedicated to my passions.  To include my kids, husband, and career…

Yet I have made it my mantra to try harder, be a better person, friend, wife, and first and foremost Mother.  If people can’t see the effort I’ve put in, to my life, and to my family and friends, I regretfully can’t apologize.  I give my ALL; in ALL I do…I can’t live in the past and all I did wrong…I am now making things, well, right. 

I will run my race, live my life, and pray for those I love and care about.

It’s been a rocky road for me; those that know me well KNOW this…and should have pom poms while singing along the side line.  I applaud my cheerleaders.  I have come so very far…

Do you run your own race?  Or the path that others have paved?  Please don’t say I am stronger than others, I have simply been through a lot in life, and prevailed.  Who hasn’t?  In a metaphorical sense I say, put on your shoes and run.   The wallowing isn’t for me.  We all have bad days, but I try to make the most of EACH day.  Without regret.   I’ve had my pity parties located right here on my blog…but guess what, it makes me real.  I don’t paint a picture that doesn’t exist. 

We have choices in life.  Don’t limit yourself.  And ultimately while I lace up my shoes tomorrow, I will let all the negative forces be set aside.  

This race is mine. 
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Sunday seranade

Movin' it with Michelle

I see my previous post caught some attention both positive and negative.  And for the negative I apologize. 

I woke up today after having one too many cocktails on my own, well, feeling only briefly-sorry for myself.  I wanted to curl back up into bed and forget the world.  Yet when I checked my grades and saw I finished my MBA with an A in my final class, I realized I was being silly.  My youngest Sophia came to wake me, “breakfast!! Mommy!!!” and so I rolled out of bed to get ready for a fun day with my girls. 

We headed to Mel’s Diner for breakfast and instantly we were all in a wonderful mood.  The staff there knows us by first name, and it felt great to be greeted by sincere faces. 

We then headed to the local jeweler that we’ve bought my Pandora beads from recently. I bought myself a lady bug bead for good luck and the Journey bead as I’ve been through such a long journey with 12 years of schooling to finally complete my degree. 

After which we went to the craft store where I bought each daughter a set of paints, and they had a hay day having fun making magnets and canvases of art work. 

We finished the day with me getting my nails done, and we headed home to relax.  I decided to hit the gym, and made it over 3 miles and felt I could go longer I wanted to keep my energy for my long run early in the week.  But it felt good…to lose myself in the run, and just…run.  I made sure I got on a treadmill that had no TV screen, and just ran to the music I set for myself.  My celebration was complete. 

I finished the night with packing lunches, snacks, and laundry.  Was able to catch up with dear friends over the phone, and got a wonderful call from my papa. 

And now, I bid you all goodnight.  I am without words. 
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Tuesday=Triumph

Movin' it with Michelle

I woke up today like any other day…tired, but ready to tackle the day.  Got me and my little one ready for school and poured my coffee in to my travel cup.  After pouring it, I realized it leaked all over from the carafe, and had to clean up a huge mess.  Ok, we were ready to get out the door on time. 
1.  I forgot my breakfast/lunch in the fridge due to the mess.  Bah.
2.  Made it not even a mile down the road, took a sip of coffee and realized I didn’t screw the cap on tight.  Spilled all over my khaki dress pants.  SHIT. 
3.  Turned around to head home to change. 
4.  Got back in the Jeep and pulled out of the garage…GAS LIGHT lit up.  Double SHIT. 
5.  Stopped for gas, now 15 minutes behind schedule.  BAAAHHH…

Got to work and settled in.  And then the comments, quirks and blah of my coworkers just plain stung.  NO I AM NOT THE PAST SUPERVISOR.  Give me a darn chance.   If I hear her name again, yes, I may lose it. 
Yet had my meeting with my Director and Manager and they calmed my nerves. All was well and I kept on kickin’ it. Busy busy day, but we got it done. 

So I left work after doing 6 frozen section procedures in around 30 minutes (yes, I pat myself on the back for being good at this), and realized I was 20 minutes running late.

I got around a mile away from work and got a call, reminding me I forgot to meet the gentleman that was to give me the plaque I bid on that my father made.  SHIT again…So I turned around and happily paid for my wonderful Father’s work. 

Picked up my punkin from daycare and she instantly asked, “are we going to the gym??”  She loves the gym, lol…love her. 
I was tired, eyes hurt from crying, but “Yes,” I said…we are going to the gym…

On our way, I asked her how many miles Mommy should run.  1-6 I told her, pick a number. 
She said.  SIX. 

Didn’t think I could do it.  Self doubt, failure, you name it was looming.  But I dropped her off in the daycare room and climbed on the treadmill.  I warmed up for 2 minutes and set the timer and speed. 

And, I ran.  I had my newly made play list of P!NK, Linkin Park, Adele, and many others playing loudly in my ear.  When I first started I had the goal of 6, but second guessed myself and said I’d be satisfied with 3.  I started to second guess myself…
But then the music played in my ears, and my heart…I ran…visualized…and let myself go free.

Bliss I say.  6 miles later, and not pain free, I did it.  Hell yeah. 

I may look like crap, tired, and old…but I felt like a kid again!!!!

I have prepared for my final exam since the start of the course.  My MBA is within a reach…I decided tonight to tackle it…and 2 hours later…Lord willing (grades wise) I am DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to all who support, love, and listen.  You all are the best. 

xoxo