Movin' it with Michelle

Assumptions

November 4, 2015November 4, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I think it’s only human for us to have assumptions in certain situations when it comes to what is thought to be “the norm” in life, no? We assume that if there is something big in our lives, or something that we put our heart and souls in to, that those we consider closest to in life, will support those big things…at least I do…or did…

But assuming is a naughty naughty word, and it truly does end up slapping you in the face from time to time. And for a split second I caught myself being sad about the person(s) that don’t support my crazy #keepmovinforward mantra, page, and blog. I looked into my husband’s eyes with sadness, and he reminded me that HE will forever be my best friend, MY PERSON…and suddenly the sadness vanished. I’ve accepted that sometimes friendships run their course, and that is ok. It’s all the circle of life, right?

Since learning of my hubby’s upcoming deployment I have been flooded with phone calls, texts, comments and emails from friends and family. And despite crying more than I’d care to admit, I am also counting my blessings. Because you don’t get through the hard stuff without your friends and family.

Here's a pic my friend Andrea made after I spectated and ran the last few miles of her first marathon with her. One of my all time favorite running memories. — Here’s a pic my friend Andrea made after I spectated and ran the last few miles of her first marathon with her. One of my all time favorite running memories.

With that, I thank you all for being just plain awesome. I love the fact that I’ve met so many amazing people through this community, and that you have chosen to join me on this journey. My hat goes off to you all!

Moving forward, I will continue to rant about running, recipes, and real life adventures. Let’s see where the upcoming year takes us!

Cheers!

❤ Michelle

Recipes

Slumps and Spicy Salmon…keepin’ it real!

November 1, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in a bit of a slump. With the news of my husband’s upcoming deployment, I honestly don’t feel like doing anything other than sleep even though trying to get more than an hour of sleep at a time seems impossible. I don’t want to run, I don’t want to cook, I don’t want to do much of anything…I think my husband sensed my blues setting in, so he took me on a date on Friday. We only do date nights a few times a year, so this was just what I needed.

I actually felt pretty, which doesn't happen too often anymore!! — I actually felt pretty, which doesn’t happen too often anymore!!

We had a great date, first by going out to a nice dinner, and finishing the night off with seeing the movie, “Burnt.” As a wanna-be Chef, this movie was all that and a bag of chips in my book, and it really portrayed what being a “real” Chef entails. I highly recommend it to any food lovers!

Today, staying with the theme of trying to quit feeling sorry for myself, I got up early enough to watch the New York City Marathon. A good friend of mine is running it, and I am always in awe of the enormity of this race. Watching the elites almost inspired me enough to go for a run, but my naggy Achilles and I decided to call it and clean the house instead. Because of course, I haven’t felt like cleaning either. I took out some salmon for dinner, and decided to change things up from my typical recipe of baking it with herbs and butter (recipe can be found HERE) and giving the salmon a little kick.

Spicy Salmon

Ingredients

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

1 fillet of salmon cut into 4 servings patted dry, seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard lightly spread on each fillet

Lightly sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons (total for all 4 fillets) of cayenne pepper over all 4 fillets, season to taste

Light sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar over all 4 fillets

2 chives, finely chopped for garnish

Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until the salmon flakes with a fork. Garnish with chives, and serve with your favorite side dishes.

I served mine with roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa w/portabella mushrooms, sweet potatoes, garlic and onions.

What’s your go-to activity to get out of a slump? Do you like salmon? Did you watch the New York City marathon today?

Have a great week, y’all!

❤ Michelle

Recipes

Roasted pumpkin seeds

October 27, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

In efforts to keep my spirits up I decided to create a yummy and healthy snack with our leftover pumpkin seeds.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil, then spray with non-stick spray. This recipe is for about 2 cups of seeds that have been rinsed and dried for 24 hours.

Place the seeds in a large bowl and add either 2 tsp of unsalted butter or extra virgin olive oil. Mix well. Next add 2 tsp of kosher salt. I added cayenne pepper, paprika and a touch of cumin. Mix well and pour into the sheet pan evenly. Roast for 45 minutes, stirring about half way through to ensure the seeds are toasted evenly.

Enjoy!

Do you roast your leftover seeds? What’s your favorite fall snack?

Thanks so much for all the love and support. Y’all rock!!

Michelle

Uncategorized

Goodbyes

October 26, 2015October 26, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

In the blink of an eye reality can change. Often times this change can be a wonderful surprise, but that isn’t the case for me this time…

Thursday I got the call from my husband that no military spouse ever wants to receive. That “This isn’t a text conversation please call me” call that is heart shattering. “Where are you going, and how long will you be gone this time?” I asked, thinking it was just another work trip. “Call me” was his answer and with a shaking hand I lifted the receiver off my work phone.

My husband delivered the news that he is getting deployed overseas for 12 months. There. I said it. I’ve told close friends and family, but I’ve kept to myself the last several days while trying to digest the idea of him being in harms way for another year. See, when I met him 12 years ago, it was just a few short months prior to his deployment to Afghanistan. We met late summer of ’03 and he deployed in October. I have loved this man from the very moment I laid eyes on him, so there was no question if I’d wait for him or not. I waited. For 10 1/2 months I waited by the phone as this was long before times where Skyping and instant messaging happened. I waited for that call, that MIGHT come every few weeks, and I checked my mail box Every. Damn. Day. in hopes that I’d find a letter. I didn’t watch the news in fear of what I’d see, yet found myself so very compelled to turn the channel back to CNN for just a peak. I didn’t sleep in fears of missing a phone call, and I worried more than I ever have about anyone or anything in my lifetime other than my daughters.

It was the hardest, most heart wrenching thing I have ever done.

And now. I have to do it again.

And I question if I can do it. I know I must, as the country needs my husband. He has been called to do what he does best, and that is lead his troops. But the whiney side of me wants to bawl my eyes out and say “I need you too, your daughters need you too…” Yet I can’t…I have my own duty as retired Air Force MSgt, and a military spouse to perform.

HE needs to know I am strong, and that I can take care of things here so he doesn’t have to worry. His worries are far bigger than whether or not I can get the kids to the bus in time before I go to work. He doesn’t need to be bothered with house repairs or paying bills. No. His calling is far greater than any of these issues.

So here in the next few months I may lose a little of my sparkle. The light in my eyes will be slightly dimmed, as this man I must say goodbye to is the reason why I shine. He sees something in me that many don’t, and despite our problems he continues to not give up on me.

Please pardon my slight absence as of late. I am just so. very. sad. For me, for my daughters, and for the year of memories my husband will miss out on. Yet this too, in time, shall pass.

I ask that you keep my husband and his unit in your prayers over the next year and a half. Keep their safety, well being, and morale lifted up in your daily prayers.

Many thanks and blessings,

❤ Michelle

moving forward

Weekend musings

October 17, 2015October 17, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I’ve had a bit of a trying week, one could say…after last weekend’s half marathon, my left lower butt cheek was really hurting (?? WTH), and my right knee-well, was being it’s normal cranky self. So I didn’t run last week. Not one mile. And I am 100% ok with that fact. And THAT. Well that speaks volumes of how far I have come as a runner, and grounded person. The old me would be going nuts by now…

Sometimes we become ungrounded though, and we need a bit of a wake up call in life in order to regroup. I will keep the majority of the details of this wake up call private to protect those involved, but I can speak in regards to what happened to ME. Because this is my blog and I can vent if I want to…

Just a few days ago I said some pretty horrible things in response to something that was said to me. #twowrongssodontmakearight And in doing so, I realized that over the last 9 months or so I have turned in to a pretty selfish person. I’d forgotten many of the things I had to relearn these last 4 1/2 years after retiring from the military and I got so self absorbed in finding/being ME that I forgot too, to be selfLESS. Because that has always been a part of who I am as well.

I got a swift kick of reality this week. But after lots of tears, and countless prayers I was given a second chance. A second chance to rebuild and rekindle what was once a very solid relationship. Cue more tears now…

I was also reminded of the many wonderful relationships I have in my life as I struggled with my ‘trying’ week. So while I may not have ran a single mile this week, I feel like I’ve crossed a new starting line…and with that, I’ll keep movin’ forward.

Lessons learned: You can never take back words. Ever. Use them wisely and carefully. Be KIND to everyone, but especially those you love. Never let things fester inside you…COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY. Festering is bad…very very bad. And lastly…put forth effort into these crazy things called relationships. Be it friend, family, spouse or coworker ALL these relationships weave a very intricate web in your life. Nurture that web!!!!

Me and my friend Andrea, meeting up with Janel (center) to make sure she had her DO EPIC SHIT bracelet because she's running her first 50 miler today! #friends — Me and my friend Andrea, meeting up with Janel (center) to make sure she had her DO EPIC SHIT bracelet because she’s running her first 50 miler today! #friends

Have you ever had a real life wake up call in regards to a relationship in your life? How do you deal with not being able to run due to real life crazies?

Hope y’all are having a great weekend!!!

❤

Michelle

Races

Prairie State 2015 half marathon race recap!

October 12, 2015October 12, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I went into this race with NO expectations other than to finish, and most importantly HAVE FUN. Those that have been reading for a while, know I took a good 6 week break from distance running after the Grandma’s Marathon in June. This break wasn’t due to injury, but for personal reasons and a few weeks ago I decided it was time to get back at it. I’ve done this race in the past back in 2013 so I decided as long as I beat my time of 2:14 (you can read the recap-HERE), I’d be happy.

A couple of my friends were also doing this race, which was an added bonus! They invited me to join them for the 1 hour commute north to Libertyville, IL. YAY! We met up at Jitka’s house at 6 a.m. and headed north. The trip was uneventful other than the cold front came through causing some pretty serious fog. The sunrise was AMAZING tho…

The racing Gods must’ve been smiling upon us because everything worked out perfectly. We had to park in a parking lot about 15 minutes from the start line and get bussed to the race.

We got to the race with about 30 minutes to spare, and thank goodness because the porta pottie line was LONG.

We made it just in time to pee, hug, and get into our respective areas in the shoot. Jitka was going for a PR so they made their way to the 7 mm area, and I headed back to the 9:30 pace group where I normally feel the most comfortable.

We started promptly on time (yet I wonder how many people were late as the bus situation proved to be quite a hassle for those that arrived later than we did…) and I felt great. It was around 45 degrees with a slight breeze and I was thankful I had on my arm sleeves and a throw away sweatshirt. After about a mile and a half, I tossed my sweat shirt and took off. And took off I did-WAY TOO FAST having my miles be in the low 9’s. This is FAST for me mind you, and by mile 5 or so I started to get a side stitch…no matter what I did, it was there, but I kept trucking along. I saw my sister right before the turn around point which truly lifted my spirits and distracted me from the pain in my ride side.

By mile 10, I decided I need to walk it off, so I walked for a good 3-4 minutes. Thank goodness, because mile 11-12 were all slightly at an uphill incline which totally kicked me in the tail. The last mile I kicked it up, and it felt great knowing I was almost finished. My buddy Mark ran me in, and this was AFTER pacing Jitka to a PR of 1:37, AND second place in her age group…AMAZING!!!

All in all, it was a great race with a few tough miles. I finished in 2:08:06, and keep in mind Dickson Chumba won the Chicago Marathon yesterday with a time of 2:09:25, ROFL…Sure puts it all into perspective, doesn’t it? LOL!!!

We finished the day with my favorite post race drink-a Bloody Mary! We also enjoyed a yummy lunch, and then headed home.

I come out of this experience reminded of my true passion and love for running, as well as an appreciation for my friends that love me, well, even when I am not the easiest person to love. A cool little fact, is that I met Jitka at this race 2 years ago, and we’ve been friends ever since! ❤

How were your races this weekend? Did you do anything fun with friends or family? What’s your favorite post race meal?

Have a great week!!

❤ Michelle

Fun Surverys

Fall Favorites

October 9, 2015October 9, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

My friend Christa over at A Voluptuous Mind tagged me in this little fun questionnaire, so I thought, “Why not?” This sounds like fun!

Favorite candle scent? I love any type of fall scent, but think apple cinnamon is my favorite during the fall season, as it brings back so many happy memories.

Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? Tea, all the way. The only way I drink coffee is if it’s loaded with all kinds of sugary syrups which I am trying to avoid, LOL. I do also LOVE a good cup of hot chocolate on a cold fall/winter day, and please, feel free to add some peppermint schnapps!

What is the best fall memory you have? I’m not sure if I can pinpoint a specific memory. But I do relate the crunching of leaves under my feet, to much simpler times when I was a child walking home from school, feeling the crisp wind on my face and not having a care in the world.

Best fragrance for fall? I’ve worn the same perfume for 20 years…Romance by Ralph Lauren.

Favourite Thanksgiving food? Turkey, turkey, ALL the turkey. I love Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends enjoying good food.

Most worn sweater? I’m not a big sweater person, but do have a grey one I love.

Football games or jumping in leaf piles? Both. All day, every day.

Favorite type of pie? For Fall? Pumpkin….or Pecan…or Apple…yikes, I have issues.

What is autumn weather like where you live? Crisp and fragrant filled with all the yummy fall smells of leaves and fireplaces.

Which make-up trend do you prefer, dark lips or winged liner? Less is more, ladies. Please. Embrace your natural beauty. I wear a little powder, blush, eye liner and mascara. I’d rather keep it simple.

What song really gets you into the fall spirit? Hmmmm….Counting Crows comes to mind, no idea why.

Is pumpkin spice worth the hype? I do love me a good pumpkin spice latte…but see above…LOL

Favorite fall TV show? Once Upon a Time

Skinny jeans or leggings? Both! Love skinny jeans with a long top or sweater, and I also pair leggings with dresses and sweaters.

Combat boots or Uggs? Combat boots, please. Uggs are UGLY.

Halloween – yay or nay? Meh…I could do without it except my youngest daughter LOVES Halloween.

Fall mornings or evenings? Neither. Dark in the morning and dark in the evenings get me depressed, quick.

What do you think about Black Friday? It’s stupid, chaotic, and I avoid it at all costs. It TRULY sucks any sort of holiday spirit from me, so I shop early, or online.

One fall 2015 trend you love? Skinny jeans and tall boots. I have a ~~sickness~~ weakness for boots. Maybe it’s the military girl in me, or maybe it’s because I can pick whichever ones I want to wear…either way, it’s one of the few things I love about cooler temps.

Ok, I am going to tag a few pages to play along but don’t feel any pressure what so ever to participate. This was just something to do for fun!! ❤

A Momma’s View

Jess Runs Happy

When the kids go to bed

Pipers Run

What are some of your favorite things about fall?

Happy Friday!

Michelle

Wordless Wednesday

Worldless Wednesday-The day I became a marathoner

October 7, 2015October 7, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

This tear filled smile says it all. On this date 3 years ago, I crossed the finish line of my first marathon with my sister-The Chicago Marathon 2012 with a finish time of 5:23.

While I’ve since shaved 58 minutes off that finish time, this day will always be one my proudest moments. What’s your proudest moment? Are you running the Chicago Marathon this year?

❤

Michelle

weekend wrap up

Weekend wrap up in pics…mostly…

October 5, 2015October 5, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Happy Monday, y’all! How was your weekend?!

Mine was great.

I started out my Friday with 8 miles after work. I was truly chasing daylight to get this one done and I wouldn’t change a thing about this run. Ok, maybe the pit stop I had to take in the woods to pee at mile 6, but other than that, it was perfect. Splits were: 9:54, 9:52, 9:56, 9:33, 9:26, 9:24, 9:12, 8:54! And…I got to capture this picture when I finished.

Saturday I spent the day in the city with my family. It’s amazing what a train ride, some shopping, and AMAZING food can do for the soul. AND I got to meet one the amazing John Colleta of Quartino in Chicago which is one of our FAVORITE places to eat in Chicago. WINNING.

Short rib tacos from The Grand Lux Café in Chicago-YUM!

10-3 — Chef John Colleta of Quartino took the time not only come out and greet us, but he made us a complimentary pizza!!!

The best pizza I've ever eaten. Ever. LOL — The best pizza I’ve ever eaten. Ever. LOL

Sunday was a quiet day filled with football watching, cooking, and one last run to wrap up the week.

The pic doesn't do this meal justice, as my daughter said she LOVED the sweet potato puree! — The pic doesn’t do this meal justice, as my daughter said she LOVED the sweet potato puree!

It felt great to regroup over the last few months, and I really feel like I am getting back to ‘me’ again. Despite a rough summer, I can happily say I am continually movin’ forward and it feels great.

How was your week? Do you ever do touristy things where you live? What’s your favorite cuisine?

Have a wonderful week!!!

❤ Michelle

Friday Five

Friday Five, in no particular order

October 2, 2015October 2, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t done a Friday five post in a while, so in keeping with my effort to try and get back to blogging more frequently-here goes!! (Written on Thursday night, but it still counts, right?)

1. I did it. I bit the bullet and signed up for another full marathon, the Rockford IL full marathon on May 22nd, 2016. I swore I’d never sign up for another full, more so due to the fact that training for a full marathon is TRULY exhausting. But I decided the reward is well worth it, and I’d like to really push myself with this one and see what these old legs can do.

2. Winter running gear. I said it. WINTER. Colder temps have arrived, which means it’s time to pull out my gloves, ear warmers and long sleeves. Cry. I like COOLER temps, but breaking out the gloves always makes me sad. I pray I can run longer outside this winter. The last couple winters have done me in completely.

3. Diet and menopause. Both my arch enemies. But I am REALLY trying to drop a few lbs, as in researching what my “racing weight” should be, it looks like I need to drop 10 lbs. I’ll be honest, I am not sure I can do it…but I really have been trying. I’ve learned the hard way ~~after trying them all~~ that there are no magic pills, wraps, shakes or diets that work in my opinion. For me it’s watching my caloric intake, to include wine consumption. I’ve been tracking my food religiously for 2 weeks, and am proud to be down 1.5 lbs. It’s not a ton, but including the 4 lbs. I’ve lost previously, it’s at least a start. I’ve got 10 to go, but I’ve decided I’ll be happy if I can at least lose 5 lbs. before I start training for Rockford.

4. Shoes. I LOVE my Brooks Launch 2’s, and am still using the 2 pairs I rotated for my last marathon. A big no-no after all the mileage I’ve put on them, but they will get my through my next half marathon at least-which is NEXT weekend, ACK!!!

I see these happening possibly in the near future....:-) — I see these happening possibly in the near future….:-)

5. Running vs. Racing. This is a tough battle for me, as I am very competitive with myself. I often say going in to a race that I am not “racing it” yet I always push myself during an event I’ve committed to and trained for in end. Next weekend I have the Prairie State half marathon that I signed up for a few weeks ago mostly because I needed a swift kick in the tail. Six weeks off from distance running was enough rest. My guess is that I can hold a 10 mm pace, but I’ll just have to see how it goes! I am going to try my best not to push myself to injury, because that would just suck. LOL

At the end of the day, it truly is all about what works for you…in all aspects of life!

What brand of shoes is your go to? Do you have problems running vs. racing an event? What’s your take on fad diets/pills etc.?

Have a great weekend, y’all!! I’ve got 8 miles on deck tonight so I’m a bit nervous but plan on having an awesome weekend with my family!

❤

Michelle

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: