Movin' it with Michelle

See, I let self-doubt ALMOST win this week. And I feel I must confess…

It’s time for some Runfessions, as well as the good, bad, and scary from today’s 20 miler…

I’m linking up with Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice (please head over to her blog if you don’t follow already, she rocks!) to confess my deep and dark confessions from recent times, and today’s long run. So sit back with your beverage of choice and enjoy…

Today’s run was not like any normal long run. Nope…see, it was my last longer run before I run the Grandma’s Marathon in 3 weeks time. And it wasn’t just any long run…it was the infamous 20 miler! Those that have run a marathon before know this distance is key to overcome, not just for the physical aspect, but for the mental strength it gives you when hitting this milestone. Yet although I have done this distance several times, and completed 2 full marathons I was letting self doubt steal my joy. Runfession #1.

I set my alarm for 5:30 am this morning, my only day off this week, and set my gear out for the run. First mistake…I should’ve set it for 4:30, but I digress. Deep down, I was doubting my ability. Runfession #2.

The first few miles hurt. My right LEG has been killing me, with random aches and pains that really started to freak me out. It hurt in places it never had before, and I wondered the entire first 5K if this was a good idea. Here I go…self doubting…So I stopped at my favorite place in Geneva to fill up my water bottle and hit the bathroom since it was a real bathroom ~~not a porta-john~~. I popped 2 Motrin in hopes my LEG would knock it off, and kept running. I didn’t find my groove until around mile 6.5-7 when I came upon a couple bikers who were taking a rest that wished me well. I smiled, continued on, and crossed the bridge in North Aurora to get my last mile in before I hit the turn around mark.

And that’s when the hornet started chasing me…and I screamed like a girl…oh wait, I am a girl…Here I go, being silly and finally I smiled when I hit the turn around point. But just as the hornet left me alone, the NEED to use the restroom entered my body, and I started to panic. There was no bathroom for miles, and it was just me and the trails. Please don’t let me pants my poop…please don’t let me poop my pants…please…Runfession #3.

Watch this for Marathon thoughts!!!

FINALLY the running God’s heard my cries, and there was the porta-john sitting out in a park at around mile 12.5 Emergency averted…thank goodness…after texting back my friends who were cheering me on, I continued…

A spot near and dear to my heart where my friend Andrea nearly had an asthma attack because we were laughing so hard... — A spot near and dear to my heart where my friend Andrea nearly had an asthma attack because we were laughing so hard…

If I wasn't going to go fast, I might as well take lots of breaks with pretty pics, right? — If I wasn’t going to go fast, I might as well take lots of breaks with pretty pics, right?

6 miles in, and smiling, sorta... — 6 miles in, and smiling, sorta…

This bench always makes me smile. #memories

I may or may not have been chased by these dudes...REALLY, I am NOT going to attack your chicks. I promise! — I may or may not have been chased by these dudes…REALLY, I am NOT going to attack your chicks. I promise!

The Geese...with just 2.5 miles to go, right before the sky opened up. — The Geese…with just 2.5 miles to go, right before the sky opened up.

So while this run was TOUGH, both mentally and physically, I caught myself laughing the last 2 miles as rain poured down on me, and I ran as fast as I could. I ran with my heart, even when my legs wanted to quit. I laughed, I nearly cried, and I cussed at myself several times. I sang, I spread my arms open like wings and “wheeeeeee’d” down a few hills. I danced on the flats, pushed up the hills, and held my arms up when a gust of wind blew over me. I smiled and greeted every single biker, pedestrian, runner and motorist I saw. And when I wanted to quit, I physically smacked my right leg, and said, “KNOCK IT OFF, MICHELLE!!!”

I thought of each and every one of you who takes the time to support my average running abilities because you see the passion I have, even when I forget I have it myself. I thought of my amazing family and friends both near and far who’ve shared in my heartache as well as cheered on my success.

And I thought of those who can’t run…and I ran for them for a mile or two.

20.13 miles done. Another badass run in the elements Mother nature loves to provide.

My last Runfession, is that while I am my own worst enemy I too truly believe I can do this. Running, life, you name it. I won’t quit. And I have running in part, to thank for that. Thanks, Running…I think you are pretty cool. Oh….and I didn’t even pants my poop….

Have you ever had an “accident” ~~a near miss~~ while out on a long run? What is the longest distance you’ve run solo? Do you have any Runfessions you want to share?

❤ Michelle

The Eve of my 20 miler

May 28, 2015May 28, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

‘Tis the Eve of my 20 miler, and all I can think of is, “Holy crap, can I REALLY run 20 miles by myself?”

Even though I ran my last 2 long runs and all of my short runs solo this training season, I am still terrified.

Why?

More than likely because last week I was sick, and this week I am just in a funk I can’t shake. I keep catching myself looking back on my past and revisiting old ways of thinking that were simply ~~NO DAMN GOOD~~ terrible. Yet I keep doing it…self doubting, self loathing, and self torturing to boot have all been beating my positive self talking mantra, BADLY.

What on earth am I doing? Back…back…BACK IT UP. GAH.

I am going to be my best to shake this funk…I am PRAYING tomorrow’s solo 20 miler will go off without any major hiccups so I can regain some sort of confidence. I have NO IDEA what the heck has come over me, but I DO NOT like it one bit. I have come too far to feel this way. Ever. AGAIN.

Yet I do…and it scares me a little. Because I hated that person that I was…and I don’t use the word hate, lightly.

So tonight I am going to lay out my running clothes and gear, beef up my play list, and run with all my being tomorrow. I am going to head to my favorite part of the Fox River Trails in the morning, and have a nice long 4 hour talk with myself. We are going to discuss believing in oneself, confidence, positive thinking, and moving forward.

I’m sure all of this is part of the normal “pre-taper” and “taper” madness. But sheesh…I feel like I am mentally spent, and need a vacation ASAP. I even asked my sister if we could leave a day early for the race just to ‘get away’ for an extra day, LOL.

Ok, no time like the present to move forward. Thanks everyone for joining me on this crazy journey of training for my 3rd full marathon, LOL…I promise, I’ll be back to normal (what IS normal, anyhow?) in a few weeks!!!

marathon training, Recipes, Sunday Supper

Week 14 recap and a recipe!

May 24, 2015May 24, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Training:

Well, sad to say last week SUCKED. I came down with a rotten cold, which left my chest heavy and my heart even heavier. I managed to get in Tuesday’s 4 miler, and Yoga on Wednesday but the rest of the work week I was down for the count. So yesterday when I hit the road for my 12 miler, I knew it would more than likely be tough. See, solo long runs when you are feeling strong can be really awesome…but when you are already feeling low, the miles can really hurt when you are alone with your thoughts.

When I don’t run, I am not able to release all the life crap that piles up, which leads to a very unhappy Michelle. As the sunshine beamed down on my face, I could feel the energy draining from me rapidly. WHY did I pick a route that had NO shade when I set out for my run mid morning? DUMB DUMB DUMB. Realizing I would run out of water, and had picked a route with NO fountains and NO shade, I decided to turn around for home early. But 9 miles are better than no miles, right?

This week I work all but Friday, so while seeing everyone post on social media about the ‘holiday’ weekend filled with BBQ’s and vacations I am left feeling slightly bitter. And I don’t like this feeling. So today I am going to get out of the house for a couple hours and go consignment shopping with my neighbor in hopes to regain my smile. Gosh, where the heck did I put it, anyhow?

A Free People dress, for 25 dollars? Yes please!

Weight Loss:

None. Nope. Not a single lb. My nutrition was good minus a few bites of artichoke dip at Friday’s work pot luck, and I’ve cut back on my nightly date with wine but so far, no luck with losing anything. So glad I bought one size bigger capri pants and shorts…sheesh. LOL!

Weekly Goals:

My goals are to get through work and weekend duty with out any casualties, to include myself. I’ll be doing my 20 miler solo, on Friday which is my one day off, and to say I am nervous would be an understatement.

Recipe:

Despite being sick all week, I really wanted to get my recipe posted for this week. I’ve made a healthy and tasty dish!

Baked Trout stuffed with lemon and herbs

4 previously cleaned trout-ask your fish monger to make sure they are fresh

1 lemon, sliced

Fresh herbs-dill, thyme, parsley are great!

Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil. Spray with cooking spray. Season your fish both inside and out with the salt and pepper, and stuff with the lemon and herbs. Drizzle with EVOO, and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. I removed the heads and tails to serve, because they wouldn’t fit on the plate, LOL!

Nest time I'll add even more herbs, but this was so tender it literally fell off the bone! — Nest time I’ll add even more herbs, but this was so tender it literally fell off the bone!

Sautéed Kale with Sopressata salami

6 pieces of sopressata salami sliced, and chopped

1 bunch of kale that has been rinsed and de-veined

Drizzle of EVOO

Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil in a pan, and heat to medium heat. Add in your salami, and sauté until golden brown. Drain any grease from the pan. Add in your kale, and toss gently in the salami and remaining oil. Season with kosher salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes.

I prefer cooking my kale, and love how vibrant and green it is!

Sweet Potato hash

One sweet potato, peeled and cubed

Smoked paprika, kosher salt, pepper, dried oregano, fresh thyme and one clove of garlic, smashed but keep in tact so you can remove.

Pat of unsalted butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar (shhh, my secret to get the potatoes to crisp up)-save this step for last.

Heat coconut oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add your potatoes, seasonings, herbs and garlic clove and cook for 20 minutes. Five minutes before serving add the butter and brown sugar, cooking still at medium to high heat.

My family has transitioned from the good ole russet potato to sweet potatoes to my delight.

Dinner is served!

How do you deal with ‘off’ weeks? I’ve found my delving in to my ‘other’ passions it helps keep me centered somewhat still. Have you ever cooked a fish whole? What was the best part of your week?

Have a great week, y’all. Remember, to keep movin’ forward!!

❤ Michelle

Recipes

Sicilian inspired braised chicken

May 19, 2015May 19, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Today’s recipe was inspired by a dream to…well…be something more. You see, I never wanted to work in a hospital, I never wanted a job in healthcare for that matter. But when I joined the Air Force 24+ years ago and signed on the dotted line, this was the job that was chosen FOR me. The rest is, as they say, history. (Note: I am very lucky to have an amazing job, and people to work with every day. It’s simply NOT my passion.)

But I am over having my career chosen for me. I work, because the bills won’t pay themselves. But I refuse to believe this is my permanent path in life. And it’s all I can think about lately. With that, I’ve taken up studying recipes again. I read cookbooks, magazines, blogs, and websites to get inspiration for new dishes. Because someday I hope that someone will read MY recipes and get inspired. I want someone to cook up one of my recipes, and have the food bring a smile to their face and joy in to their home.

So tonight, I have prepared braised chicken thighs in a tomato, Kalmata olive and caper sauce. Get out your Dutch oven, and a hefty appetite. You’ll need it for this dish!

Sicilian inspired braised chicken-low carb style

1 package of boneless skinless chicken thighs

1 jar of tomato sauce-(I use Mario Batali’s sauce-YUM!)

1 small white onion, finely diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1/4 cup of Kalmata olives, roughly chopped

1 tbsp. capers, rinsed

The zest of one lemon

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup of water/chicken stock

1 zucchini-noodled

Seasonings/Spices: kosher salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, rosemary, basil, oregano (all to taste-about a tsp. each)

Pre-heat your Dutch oven on medium high heat. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, and brown on both sides. Remove, and set aside. Deglaze the bottom of the oven with water/chicken stock to get all the brown bits up. Add in your onions, garlic, capers and olives and cook for about 5 minutes. Next, add your chicken thighs back in to the oven and cover with the tomato sauce. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, rosemary, basil and oregano, and lemon zest – stir well and cover. Lower the heat to medium-low and let braise for 30 minutes.

I served mine over zucchini noodles for a healthy touch!!

This is a great weeknight meal, taking only about 40 minutes total to prepare and cook.

Questions! Did you chose your current profession, or was it chosen for you? What’s your dream job?

Have a great week, y’all!

❤ Michelle

marathon training, Recipes, weekend wrap up

Running long, cooking slow, and Lily Trotter sock review!

May 18, 2015May 18, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

As most of you know, I had 19 miles on deck this weekend for my week 13 of marathon training. While I normally prefer to run my short runs by myself, the thought of running 19 miles solo was not giving me peace of mind. Add in the forecast of 50-60% chance of thunderstorms and you could say I was nearly dreading the miles. I didn’t sleep hardly a wink Friday night, but had my rain poncho and gear all set. I woke up at 4:30 a.m. and was out the door by 5:15. The first few miles were VERY wet, and I was thankful for my poncho despite it’s lack of comfort. If you read my mini recap on my FB page, you saw that I accidentally ‘dismissed’ my first 3 miles of running when I ‘paused’ to take off my poncho. Damn. Thankfully I knew were I was and had just looked down at my watch. Here we go with more runner’s brain math, ack, lol.

I was lucky enough to run into my friend Melissa around mile14!

The miles ticked by, and something happened out there that even surprised ME. I was…HAVING FUN out there, running between raindrops, enjoying the trails, and listening to music. I COULD run solo, no matter the mileage, and this made me smile. It was liberating to be out there on my own, with claps of lightening in the distance to cheer me on. And even when it started to POUR cats and dogs, I smiled. I took cover briefly to fuel, but when I realized it wasn’t letting up I continued on for a good 3 miles in some pretty hard rain. And I do believe, I was smiling from what I’m told from friends who saw me out on the trails that morning. I felt/feel nearly renewed. My legs hurt, my knee ached, and my ITB yelled at me the last few miles, but nothing was going to bring me down. YAY for a good long run.

I was contacted by Lily Trotters a couple months ago to try out their compression socks. But I received the socks, on the very day of my daughter’s accident and honestly forgot about the review. Saturday seemed to be the perfect day to try the socks out after my long run to aid in my recovery. Here’s what I thought:

1. They were very easy to put on, unlike some other compression wear that you have to tug and pull to get on.

2. The colors were really fun, and I loved the polka dot print.

3. They were SOOO comfy, and I actually slept in them last night and woke up with happy legs.

All in all, I loved them and will use them in the future. I am particular with my socks, but am hoping they will make sleeves too so I can run in them as well.

In my attempt to eat healthier and lose 10 lbs. I decided to make crock pot pork carnitas for dinner so I would have yummy left overs for lunches this week.

Pork Carnitas

Pork roast, boneless-pat dry and season with kosher salt and pepper

1 large red onion, roughly chopped

4 cloves of garlic, minced

3 small red chili peppers, chopped

The juice of 1 large orange, 3 small limes

Spice Rub

2 tsp. ground cumin

2 tsp. smoked paprika

1 tbsp. dried oregano

Drizzle the roast with extra virgin olive oil, and liberally apply the rub. Place in your crock pot with the fat cap up, and add your onions, garlic, and peppers. Drizzle over the juice of the oranges and limes, and cook on high for 4-6 hours, or low for 6-8 hours. Remove the pork, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Pull apart with two forks, and place in a bowl.

Drain the liquid from the crock pot, and add the strained liquid back in to the pork to keep it nice and juicy!! I served it over a salad of mixed greens with black beans, corn, and avocado. No dressing needed, just drizzle a bit of the drained juice over the top!

Weekly mileage-27 miles, a few miles short but my knee is happier

Core fitness-6 days=600 sit-ups

Lb.’s lost-NONE…but I blame it on girlie crap this week.

Did you run long or race this weekend? Have any good crock pot recipes you love?

marathon training

Shocking revelations..

May 13, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Preface: This post is to hold me accountable. I am by no means a nutrition expert or health care provider. I am just trying something that I know has worked for me in the past. Discipline.

You’ve heard me discuss before about my disdain with the numbers that show up on the scale each week, and several times I decided this was it, those TEN lbs were going bye bye…

Yet just as quickly as I decided I was going to do about something about the “oh you’re 40 now, and can’t just eat whatever you want” weight, I found myself having late night snacks or splurging at the taco bar at work…I’m a distance runner, and am constantly hungry. Normal, right?

Sure…but if I am going to snack, I need to find healthier alternatives than handfuls of pita chips loaded with roasted red pepper hummus. A little hummus=good fat. An entire container of hummus=bad ~~choice~~ fat.

My clothes were all feeling tighter, and despite the fact I know that SOME of it is muscle (my legs), a lot of the weight well, ISN’T muscle…my every growing gut tells me so, daily.

But I didn’t truly realize it, until I saw the free race photos we could download from the half marathon I just ran. I was super excited to see the pictures after seeing several friends post their pictures online, until of course, I viewed my photo. Upon viewing said photo, I was appalled. And I may or may not have lowered my head in shame.

I haven’t weighed what I weigh right now since the following months after my second daughter was born. And I need to stop using my age as an excuse.

So this week, I’ve shut down my previous ways of thinking, and am restarting my system. I’ve been making my own lunches, snacks, and a protein shake to start my day. I’ve been tracking all of my food in My Fitness Pal, and exercising daily. I’ve limited snacks at night (Ok, last night I DID cheat with a piece of Italian salami, YUM), and making sure I am in bed by 11 pm which gives me 6-7 hours of sleep (still working on the sleep issues but its been better, at least). I’ve also been trading pasta and rice for veggie noodles instead.

I can feel the toll this extra weight is causing my running/knees and it’s time.

“It’s only 10 lbs.,” I hear so often…”You look great!” everyone says. But 10 lbs is A LOT on a smaller framed person and I don’t feel great about myself right now.

3 days in, and I’m down 1 lb…praying this is the road to a positive change.

Just because I am a distance runner and a Chef wanna-be, doesn’t mean I can EAT. ALL. THE. FOOD.

Put the fork down, Michelle.

How do you control cravings? Any good go-to healthy snacks?

Thanks, y’all! Keep Movin’ forward!

❤ Michelle

marathon training

Week 12 training wrap up

May 11, 2015May 11, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Last week was a GREAT training week for me. I pushed myself, made a new running friend, AND did some new fueling for my long run that REALLY seemed to help me from fading out the last few miles. Sorry for some of the repetitive information, but I really wanted to log the breakdown of my week because I really am feeling strong ~~because I’m old and don’t want to forget~~.

Mileage breakdown goes a little like this:

Total mileage: 30.34 miles which is my highest mileage for a week this year. Those of you that have been following me for a while, know that my training plan is modified to save my debilitated right knee. I have patella femoral syndrome, and very little cartilage left so I use the run less mantra. I do ONE long run on the weekend, and two modified shorter runs during the week. I also try and walk 1-2 times per week. So 30 miles is AWESOME for me. YAY.

Strength work outs: I did weights twice last week! Met my goal!!!

Yoga: Wednesday yoga sessions are becoming a regular in my house! Winning!

Long run: my last week’s 18 miles got flip flopped as I had the half marathon last weekend. I met up with my new friend, Teri as I previously mentioned, and managed a strong 19 miler. The last few miles were really tough, but I kept movin’…

Ya gotta be silly to survive 19 miles, right?
Fuel: For my shorter runs, no fuel. Just water or Nuun when temps got too hot to run without hydration. For my long run I had a granola bar for breakfast, and 2 bottles of water. It was going to be a very humid run, and I didn’t want to dehydrate. I carried a 16 ounce handheld filled with Nuun, and tried to fill up at all the water fountains. I had a Huma Chia gel at miles 6, 10, and 15 and salt tabs at mile 6 and 12. I found by fueling every 4 or so miles after the 6 miles mark kept me feeling strong, YAY!!!

Sunday for Mother’s Day my family took me downtown Chicago which is one of my favorite places. We ate, we shopped, and we walked just over 3 miles! It felt great to stretch my sore legs. AND, I got a new Garmin Vivofit, ate at my favorite restaurant, and shopped at my favorite clothes store-Free People. I did also breakdown and by a new pair of jeans, one size larger than I normally wear because my legs just won’t accommodate skinny jeans anymore. 😦 My weight is back at post pregnancy weight so I need to figure out my diet. I eat healthier than I ever have, but am guessing my love for wine is jacking with any sort of weight loss. I’m guessing the desert pictured below isn’t helping, either, LOL!!

All in all it was a GREAT training week, and GREAT weekend. I am beyond blessed with amazing friends and family and I am reminded of it, daily.

How was your week in regards to training last week? What did you do (if anything) for Mother’s Day? What are you big plans for this week?

Have a great week, y’all!

❤ Michelle

Uncategorized

Mothers Day weekend wrap up

May 10, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

This will be a picture filled post as I am in the car and won’t have time to sit down to write. Here goes!!!

Friday night was dress rehearsal for my youngest’s ballet recital. Gosh. She takes my breath away. Both my daughters are so pretty! Not that I’m biased.

Saturday was my long run and I was lucky enough to share the miles with my new friend, Teri. I did the first two miles solo and met her at 6 am to finish the final 16. As you can see, runners brain happened and I ended up doing 19 instead. Woops. lol Teri’s FB page is “Reinventitude” and I highly recommend you check it out.

Saturday afternoon we had the recital. My Mom surprised us by driving down from MN and my sister’s family came down, too! Made my day!!!

We had such a wonderful day. I am counting my blessings ten fold this weekend. My hubby even rubbed my aching feet last night.

We’re headed to the city for Mother’s Day lunch and shopping today. I hope you all have an amazing week coming up, and that you were able to spend time with family and friends this weekend!!

Xoxoxo

Michelle

marathon training

Friday Five!! #TGIF

May 8, 2015May 8, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Here are my Friday 5’s in which I’m loving, or not loving, in no real particular order:

1. I am still loving my Brooks Launch 2’s, and plan to order a second pair on pay day to break in for the marathon. I love how lightweight they feel, the cushion they provide my legs, and the fact that my feet rarely (after racing last weekend everything hurt, lol) hurt after a long run. Winning all the way around.

Maybe I'll get this color this time, what do you think? — Maybe I’ll get this color this time, what do you think?

2. I am not loving being a Mom to a teen. I LOVE her…but wow, no one gave me the listed side effects in advance that come with raising a teen. These side effects include the following, keeping in mind this list is NOT all inclusive.

Moodiness, snarkiness, outbreaks, tears, sarcasm, silent treatment and hatefulness, all with a side of ultimate love deep down to the core. ❤

Was I this terrible? Don’t answer that…I think I better apologize to my Mom for the umpteenth time for being such a crappy teen. LOL!!!

3. I am loving the warmer temps here in the Chicagoland area. It’s SOOOOOOOOOOOOO nice to be out running in a tank and shorts. Despite having to slow down and watch my breathing, there’s nothing like the sunshine on your face and the wind in your hair after a long day of work. I have however, forgotten my bug spray and sunscreen on my last couple runs. Here comes the runner’s tan!!!

4. I am not loving the humidity. ‘Nuff said. But I WILL NOT complain about the heat. Nope. Not gonna happen…(recall Chiberia 2013/2014?!?!?!)

5. I am loving the fact that every day I dig a little deeper and reach a littler further towards my goals. Whether it’s simply pinning one of MY recipes on Pinterest, or writing up a new blog post, I am reminded daily that I won’t give up on my dreams.

Tomorrow calls for 14-18 miles for my long run that I missed last weekend and then off to my youngest daughter’s first Ballet recital. I was super stoked to get the surprise that my Mom is driving down from MN to attend! YAY!!! What are you all loving/not loving lately? Any big plans for Mother’s Day weekend?

Keep Movin’ forward, y’all!

❤ Michelle

marathon training, Recipes

Tuesday, tostadas, and truths in no particular order!

May 6, 2015May 6, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

After Sunday’s big race, (and during) I really have been thinking…shocker, right? I mean, what else are you going to do out on the trails for a couple hours? Although often times I can get lost in my own head while running/racing long, more times than not I spent the majority of the time thinking. It’s my therapy in essence, where I get to bond with God, nature, and everything in between.

Lately, I’ve been battling with myself, in regards to being upset over people who don’t get excited or support my crazy dreams. Not so much people, but FRIENDS. And after I wiped my tears away quickly Sunday during which time I was saddened to not hear from a couple friends that morning, I was reminded of the awesome support I DO have. My husband, sister, and a few friends all sent texts, and I had quite a few friends at the race cheering for me. Why was I upset over the few who didn’t bother to support me? That’s the question of the hour. I swear, I am my own worst enemy sometimes. I got this reminder, a text from 2014 when I ran this very same race last year, from my friend A and I just smiled. My sister reminded me of how far I’ve come, and I slapped away the sadness and drove on. Gah I am an idiot sometimes. LOL, at least I recognize it, right?

The last 2 days I’ve been walking around like I just ran a FULL marathon. WOWSA am I sore!!!! I truly gave it my all on Sunday, and am feelin’ it big time today. But, I had 4-5 miles on deck so immediately after work I changed clothes and ran. It started to rain, and I ran out of time, but I managed to beat the storms. 4.32 miles in 40:22 with an average pace of 9:20. Never did I think I would be able to say 9:20-9:30 would be an easy-ish pace. YAHOO!!! I finished up my work out with weights, and a wimpy 1:06 minute plank, lol!

It IS Cinco de Mayo, so I made chicken tostadas tonight for dinner after my run.

Chicken Tostada Recipe

Preheat oven to 325 degrees (You’ll want to bake your tostadas to crisp them up)

6 corn tortillas, baked on a cookie sheet at 325 degrees for about 10 minutes

1 package of boneless, skinless chicken-cut into bite size pieces (I prefer thighs, but breasts work too!)

1/2 red onion-diced

1 red pepper-chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup of frozen corn (wait until the very end to add this)

Shredded cheese-1 cup (may be omitted, I only use a tiny amount on mine as cheese and I aren’t friends.)

Seasonings to taste: Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper

Sauté’ in extra virgin olive oil the onions, pepper and garlic for 4-5 minutes. Add in your chicken, seasonings, and can of black beans and cook through-around 15 minutes. Add in your corn, stir well.

Sprinkle the tortillas with shredded cheese, and top with the chicken mixture. Add just a touch more cheese and put in your 325 degree oven.

While the cheese is melting, make your avocado topping.

Avocado topping

1 avocado

1 tablespoon of low fat sour cream

Juice of 1 lime

pinch of salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper

Serve, and enjoy!

Total prep and cook time was 20-25 minutes. This is a great week night meal!

Do you think a lot during your long runs? What’s your favorite easy week night meal?

Have a great week, y’all!

Keep Movin’ Forward!

❤ Michelle

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