Movin' it with Michelle

I preface this post with the fact that I have only been working on speed every so slightly, once or twice each week on short runs in the last few months, and that I am an idiot for not being completely thrilled with my PR.

I’ve done this race now three times, and was excited to possibly break my course record of 2:01, as well as maybe crush that good ole sub 2 goal I’ve had for the last several years. The weather was nearly perfect at the start, with the temps in the low 60’s and a nice breeze. I was giddy as I got to hang out with Wendy from Taking the long way home, as well as the fact that this was my first race of 2015.

With that, I took off ~~too~~ fast, and only was able to hang with Wendy momentarily. But I felt GREAT so heck, I was going to give it my all. “The faster you run, the faster you are done” rang sweetly in my head along with “Slow down you idiot or you’ll burn out!!” I honestly could picture my PR/Sub 2 the entire race, and gave it my ALL. I tried my best to keep my pace at or below 9:09, only faltering on that goal for a couple separate miles. But as the temperature rose, and the sun came out in full force I could feel my head throb and hands swell by mile 11. The spectators and volunteers were amazing, and after a couple high fives from some VERY cute little dudes I picked it back up.

But then, there’s that last mile of the Great Western trail half marathon that isn’t for the faint of heart or weak of mind. It will take everything you have, and more to get through the winding hills, and never ending trail that seemingly is about to end…but then it doesn’t. I pushed, feeling as if I was going to pass out, and then pushed some more. I crossed the line with an official time of 2:00:11. And I cried. Sobbed nearly as big sweaty, salty tears stung my eyes.

And then I got mad, for not being happy that I got a PR, and that I finished strong WITHOUT passing out. My awesome friends were there to hold me up, and celebrate with me all I had accomplished and I am so very thankful I didn’t feel sad for very long.

A huge shout out to the Fox River trail runners, the race organizers, volunteers and spectators. I love this race! (Minus that last mile, lol)

5-3finishers — Teri from Reinventitude, Wendy from Taking the long way home, and Karen from Trading in my Heels ❤

This pic, truly says it all. Thanks to Dave Sheble from the Fox Valley Marathon for capturing it! What AM I doing with my hand, though?

I finished my day by prepping/cooking Sunday Supper. Tonight’s theme was Asian inspired. I even got my mandolin out, and if you recall from my Christmas post the mandolin and I got in a fight. I decided to tackle my fears. Heck, if I could PR in this heat, I can use a mandolin right? Mandolin 1-Michelle 1!

My husband is just hilarious, right? LOL

Asian inspired short ribs

What you’ll need:

Short ribs (we used beef, but pork is fine too)-season with kosher salt and pepper and set aside

Marinade

1 cup of low sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup of chili garlic sauce

2 cloves of garlic-grated

Fresh ginger-grated

Juice of 2 limes

Fresh cilantro, finely chopped

5-6 green onions, chopped-use all of white, and some of the green

Drizzle in some extra virgin olive oil and mix well. Pour over your ribs and let refrigerate for a couple hours.

Bake the ribs for about an hour (covered) at 325 degrees. I might try lowering the temp next time, but they were amazing. I served with ginger infused mashed sweet potatoes and a fennel, green apple and baby bok choy salad. YUM!

Did you race or run this weekend? Any new recipes in your rotation? How do you handle missing your goals?

Have a great week, y’all!! It’s time to retire to the couch!

❤

Michelle

Recipes

Mid week recipe…Avocado dressing!

April 30, 2015April 30, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I’ll admit, I’ve been slacking on my recipes and research in regards to my goal of writing my own cook book. As most of you know, I cook by taste, smell, and texture vs. exact measurements. In the last year or so I’ve really tried to quantify my ingredients and document my journey in regards to my love for food.

But then came marathon #3 training, and my goals have since fallen to the back burner (haha, get it?) unfortunately. So I’m back at it, with a goal to publish ONE recipe (at least) each week. Who’s ready for our first week’s exciting recipe? Ok…it’s not that exciting, but it’s simple, tasty, and a healthy choice for a mid week meal.

Avocado dressing/puree’

In a bowl place the following:

1 avocado

1 tablespoon of low fat sour cream

The juice of one lime

Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper and garlic powder to taste

1 pinch of dried cilantro

Mix well until a creamy consistency is achieved. Serve over fish, chicken, or on your favorite salad in place of dressing. YUM!

This entire dish took 10 minutes to prepare!

Doesn’t get much easier than this, and my entire family enjoyed it thankfully!

What’s on your plate these days? Do you find it hard to balance work, training, and other hobbies?

Thanks, y’all!! Hope you enjoy this recipe!

❤ Michelle

marathon training

Grandma’s Marathon training, week 10, DONE!

April 26, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Gosh, it’s been such a busy week that I haven’t had time to sit down to unwind and write. Honestly, I’ve been battling writers block terribly this week, so rather than just babble I decided to give myself a few days and see if I could come up with something…

Well, it’s been almost a week and still, I got nothin’ really all that witty or wonderful to say.

LOL

I did however manage to ~~almost~~ keep up with my marathon training this week, and have successfully completed my 17 miler. I ran on Friday as its my weekend to pull supervisory duty at the hospital. I met up with a couple of my running friends, and had a blast catching up with both of them during our miles. Melissa stuck with us for 12 miles, and Janel stayed with me until 15.5 miles where she decided it best to call it at 16 so I took off to finish the last mile and a half alone. All in all, my run felt great despite having to stretch several times. My ITB just doesn’t want to loosen up, so I am being ginger with it as to prevent injury the best I can. I foam roll every night now, and ice my knee after long runs. I also did yoga once this week, and weight training twice.

Next weekend I’ll be doing my first half marathon/race of 2015 and I am really looking forward to it. It’s my PR race (2:01), and although I don’t plan on racing it as I’ll have another 5 miles to tack on after the race, I do look forward to running it for the 3rd year in a row. It’s literally almost in my back yard, and these trails and I have had many a memory made on them. They’ve listened to me when I didn’t want to listen to myself, and they’ve given me back my wings so to speak more times than I can count. If you remember, I did my 15 miler a few weeks ago on the very trails where this race will take place, and I learned a lot about myself that day.

I’m also looking forward to seeing Wendy from Taking the Long Way home (do you read her blog? If not, head over now!) at the finish line as she’ll be toeing the line of this race too, but is much faster than me so will finish before I do. Bonus for me, as it will be a huge welcome to see her smiling face at the finish line.

Lessons learned this week are:

-I’ve got more fuel in my tank than I realized. After my long run Friday, I honestly felt like I could’ve kept going for several more miles. YAY!

-People will support you, or they won’t. Does it matter? NO…as long as you believe in yourself. I need to remind myself of this far too often, so I’m saying it out loud.
-Respect the distance you are running, always. ‘Nuff said.

What’s your favorite distance to run? Do you repeat races you’ve previously ran?

Have a great week, y’all! Keep Movin’ Forward!!!

❤ Michelle

marathon training

Monday Motivation and Boston thoughts

April 20, 2015April 20, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Hey it’s Marathon Monday!!!! I’m so excited for all those who ran this morning at the 2015 Boston Marathon. I have so many friends who ran today, both virtual and in real life that I found myself constantly checking updates on my phone!! I’m happy to report everyone I know finished the race, and it looked like such a blast. I wish I could list them all, but hope they know I love and cherish each and every one of them as runners, and friends.

So this got me thinking about all things that are Boston, the number one of which being SPEED. This is something that has never been a part of my life as a distance runner, or any other type of runner to be honest. I’ve always been an average runner. I’m not a ‘back of the packer’ but I am by no means, fast. So does that make me less of a runner?

Let’s ponder that thought for a bit…shall we?

For fun, I looked up the Boston Qualifying times…FOR FUN. Although I’ve never even dreamt of BQ’ing, I decided what better day to look up the facts and see if I could ever feasably qualify. For my age group I would need a minimum of a 3:45 finish time. Mind you, my fastest full marathon time is 4:25 and I have NO idea where that race even came from other than God himself as it truly was the best race of my life, and I can recall nearly every second of it. But on the same note, I pushed myself harder than ever that day, and had to reach down to the very depths of my soul to find the strength to finish that marathon so strongly. I can’t even fathom running a faster marathon.

Does that make me less of a runner? Some would say, yes…

Sometimes I catch myself questioning that statement…but only mostly during a race, or an event like the Boston Marathon. Most of the time I am completely satisfied being an average runner. But I suppose it is normal for nearly every distance runner to wonder…what if? Could I qualify? Could I run the race that is the end all and be all of all things distance running?

But I know myself, and my abilities as a runner…so the answer is:

Probably not…and that makes me NO LESS of a runner AT ALL. Because during every run I am out there giving it my all…it may not be enough to BQ…but I strive to be a little better with each year for ME.

That won’t stop me for drooling over Shalene, Desiree and Meb and their amazing talent. It won’t stop me from cheering on my friends who ARE speedy, and celebrating each finish line and finishing time. It also won’t stop me from hoping one day…just maybe when I’m 65, that I’ll BQ, lol!!! ❤

Have you BQ’d or are you striving to BQ? What are your thoughts on the importance of speed?

Thanks for your support! Have a great day, y’all!!!

❤ Michelle

marathon training, Recipes, Sunday Supper

Weekend Wrap up/Marathon training week 9 complete!

April 20, 2015April 20, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

My weekend was all over the place in regards to emotional highs, lows, and everything in between. Although I’ll keep the reasoning behind my roller coaster a bit vague, I will say I have learned from the events and feel better for it. It’s all about moving forward, right?

Friday night was a quiet night filled with Netflix and relaxing after a yummy night of sushi. (Sushi is carbloading too, right? lol). It would be an early night for both the hubby and I as he had his reserve duty weekend and I had a long run in the wee hours of the morning. I got all my gear set out, battled with some tummy issues, and drank some water before bed. I woke up at 5:45 am, battled with some more tummy issues and finally got dressed and headed to run club. My friend Deb agreed to slow her pace and run my scheduled 13 miles with me. YAY!

The first half of our run was pretty uneventful despite me having to stop several times to stretch out my ITB that was pulling hard on my right knee. We laughed, talked, and laughed some more. Halfway through we stopped to take a selfie with the Fox River in the background.

The second half of our run was a bit tougher with some really strong winds on our faces, but we kept pushing forward. We finished strong, and celebrated with coffee (her) and pomegranate lemonade for me. I even splurged and had a breakfast sandwich on an ‘everything’ bagel. YUM.

I spent the rest of the day with my daughter’s, and we shopped til we dropped at “Once Upon a Child, “Plato’s Closet,” and Clothes Mentor” stocking up for our warmer weather wardrobe. We all found some really cute items, and everyone came out with smiles, especially my bank account. Gotta love consignment shopping!

Today was chores, food prep and Sunday Supper. I made my own protein smoothies and stored them in previously used water bottles! Recycling=Winning! The smoothies were simple.

Berry Mocha Smoothie

1/2 cup of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries

3 scoops of chocolate protein powder

16 ounces of water

Liquefy in a blender, and strain out the seeds. Transfer to the bottles and refrigerate

Banana Strawberry Chocolate Smoothie

1 cup of strawberries

2 bananas

3 scoops of protein powder

16 ounces of water

Liquefy in a blender, and strain out the seeds. Transfer to the bottles and refrigerate

I also spent time organizing my groceries after shopping, getting everything prepped and ready for the week. I am battling the scale and my marathon weight gain, NOW.

I'm ready for the week! — I’m ready for the week!

Tonight’s Sunday Supper was a simple pork roast in the crock poat with roasted veggies.

Pork Roast in a crock pot

Season pork roast with kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder and season salt. Sear the roast on all sides in a cast iron skillet and set aside.

In your crock pot, add on can of tomato puree, 2 cups of unsalted chicken or veggie stock, roughly chop 1 carrot, 1 onion, 2 stocks of celery and 3 cloves of garlic. Also add in 2 bay leaves (remove later) and Italian seasoning to taste. Add your roast to the crock pot, and cook on low for 6 hours.

While my roast was making magic in the crock pot I decided to go for a walk to stretch my legs. My daughters even joined me, YAY!

Roasted Veggies

1 cup string beans

1 shallot-sliced

1 sweet potato-julienned

1/2 cup of Shitake mushrooms-sliced

2 cloves of garlic finely sliced

Place in a bowel, and toss with 1 teaspoon coconut oil, 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and chives. I also added some grated parmesan cheese for a little bite! Roast at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Now after a weekend filled with more time on my feet than I care to admit, I am going to retire to my couch!

How was your week? Do you food prep for the week? What’s your favorite smoothie flavor?

Have a great week, y’all!

❤ Michelle

Friday Favs

April 17, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t posted a Friday Favs post in a while, and am in the middle of a wretched case of writer’s block so thought, why not!

Here’s some of my favorite things lately…

Running outside in a tank top and running shorts/skirt. The wind in my hair, the sun on my face and actually feeling sweaty. Gross, right? LOL

Longer days and warmer temps. It’s so wonderful being able to drive home from work and still have time to pick up my kids, go running, and cook dinner all before sunset. Winning!

Being a Mom comes with drama, but J is back in school full days, and S continues to give us a run for our money in regards to her “free spirited” nature at school. The hubby went to S’s parent teacher conference yesterday, and just when we thought she was improving in regards to focusing at school, we were given a rude awakening. Ultimately they are healthy and happy (for the most part) so I really shouldn’t complain.

My training is now half way done for the Grandma’s marathon. Well, it will be once I complete my long run and strength training this weekend. Hard to believe how quickly the training has gone by, and am looking forward to running with my friend D for my long run tomorrow. That 15 miler last weekend was TOUGH alone, so the company will be welcomed with open arms.

That wraps it up for my Friday Favs. What’s your favorite weather to run in? Are you training for anything in particular?

Have a great weekend, y’all!! Keep Movin’ Forward!

❤ Michelle

Uncategorized

Monday Motivation

April 13, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Last night I was woken up at 3 am to loud claps of thunder and lightening. Really?? Am I really doomed to never ending late night wake ups? Lol! I went to work tired…but happy none the less.

But I was also a bit nervous. I had my mammogram scheduled for after work and these exams always make me nervous having lost my maternal Grandmother to Breast cancer.

Lol or not.

My results will be back in a week or so. Fingers crossed for a normal result. My dermatology appointment on Thursday will wrap up my plethora of annual exams and I’ll breath easy finally.

My motivation for all these exams? To be around as long as possible for my family. <3. Plain and simple.

I finished a nice walk while my youngest was at ballet and day two of Ab Ripper X. All I can say is OUCH.

Lol!

Ladies-are you good about keeping up with your annual exams? What’s your favorite core workout?

Hope your Monday was awesome!

Have a great week, yall!!

💗 Michelle

marathon training, Recipes

Refocusing and a recipe

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

So wow…I haven’t blogged in a week. My goal of 2-3 times of posting per week was shot last week. And I’m totally ok with that.

Why?

Well, because I’ve realized I’ve spent far too much time engulfed in the virtual world that I lost site of what matters most. What’s that? Why family of course. MY family. ❤

So with that, I’ve spent more time reaching out, hanging out, and hugging my kids just a little tighter. Most nights we are wrapped up in blankets on the couch watching previous episodes of “Once upon a time” on Netflix…TOGETHER. And it wasn’t always this way. Before my daughter’s accident, more times than not we would all go our separate ways after dinner. But now, we nearly rush to spend our evenings together most nights.

My training is also back on track, and I managed to log 26 miles last week, which is a distance PB for 2015. I had my 15 miler on Saturday, and it mentally jarred me, briefly…I had forgotten how hard a long run can be, especially when your only distraction is YOU. No one to talk the miles away with, just you, and the road. My first few miles truly SUCKED. No pretty way around it, but I kept going. I’d stop to stretch every few miles, and at miles 6 and 11 I fueled with my Chia HUMA gels. Just when I wanted to quit, I looked back on my first marathon and how hard it was and how badly I wanted to quit. But I had my awesome sister with me, cheering me on every step and I could hear her voice in my head as I plugged along the middle of my run. Mile 11 I started to really fade as I had run out of Nuun and the temps were getting REALLY warm for how I was dressed. (It was 38 degrees when I started and finished up at a balmy 61 degrees). Then Andrea, Carolyn and my hubby shot me texts and suddenly the spring came back to my step and I took off. 15 miles? DONE. And with the help of 7 cardinals, 2 blue birds, and countless squirrels and chipmunks that cheered me on for 2 1/2 hours, LOL!

Mentally one of my toughest runs this year.

We booked our family vacation for the summer today, and I am SOOOOO excited. We are headed to Marco Island, Florida for 5 glorious days. We haven’t had a real vacation (we like our Chicago/Michigan staycations, though!) in 3 years, so this is long overdue.

So today I spent the afternoon meal prepping and making healthy snacks. (Gotta get beach body ready! lol) I made Kale chips (not sure how I feel about them, yet lol) and spicy chickpeas to keep handy. Here’s the chickpea recipe:

Spicy Chickpeas

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Rinse and dry two large cans of chickpeas

Place the chickpeas in a large bowl, and add the following seasonings:

1 teaspoon Tumeric

1 teaspoon Garlic powder

1 teaspoon Cumin

1 teaspoon smoked Paprika

Kosher salt

Toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes, tossing every 20 minutes. YUM!

How was your week? Do you take regular vacations? What’s your favorite healthy snack? Have a great week, y’all!

❤ Michelle

marathon training, Recipes

Weekend wrap up

April 5, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Happy Easter, y’all! Although I am not one to go to a brick and mortar church very often, I do have a very strong faith and have always appreciated the meaning behind Easter. I pray you all had a wonderful Easter weekend.

Mine started out with a bang. Or a clunk more so…for the last several days I’ve heard/felt a grinding in my brakes. I took my Jeep to the shop after work on Friday only to find out I needed to replace my rear rotors and brakes. Ouch. Bye Bye pay check. Oh well, better safe than sorry right?

Saturday was long run day, and the day we’d celebrate Easter with my immediate family. I set my alarm and hit the trails with my friends for my 14 mile run. I felt little nags and aches but managed to finish this run rather strong after allowing myself a couple walk breaks and several breaks to stretch. My ITB continues to be a B@#%! but I won’t let it stop me. I will however foam roll daily moving forward.

I haven't ran with these two in a while, so it was great to meet up with Melissa and Pat for some miles! — I haven’t ran with these two in a while, so it was great to meet up with Melissa and Pat for some miles!

Isn't ALWAYS about having fun? I think so... — Isn’t ALWAYS about having fun? I think so…

After my run, I came home and made my traditional bacon and eggs. ALL TIME favorite post run food. Then I hopped in the shower and headed to my sister’s house. It felt so nice to be with everyone and I of course got emotional when we got there.

My J, and my niece! <3 — My J, and my niece! ❤

My sis and Mom. Gorgeous right?! <3 — My sis and Mom. Gorgeous right?! ❤

Today was a nice and quiet day at home. We got up early, hunted for eggs and cleaned the house. Not very Easterly I know, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do!

I made a yummy and easy Easter dinner of spiraled ham, mashed potatoes and amazing roasted parmesan carrots.

Roasted Parmesan carrots

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Peel and slice 5 carrots into 1/4-1/2 inch discs.

Slice half a red onion

Mince two cloves of garlic

Grate 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese

Toss everything in a bowl with extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste

Place on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil and sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, in a single layer if possible.

Roast at 375 degrees for about 25-30 minutes

DELISH!

This week I have a doctor and dental appointment, ugh. Joys of aging, right? But, speaking of doctors, J is healing slowly but surely and we are hoping she can return to school in the next week or two. Thanks for the continued prayers.

How was your Easter? Did you have a long run this weekend? What’s your favorite veggie?

Keep Movin’ Forward, y’all!

❤ Michelle

Three things, Thursday

Three Things Thursday

April 2, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

1. I’ve managed to start running again after missing a couple runs last week. My outdoor run on Tuesday was quickly kaboshed with drama at home, but I got a 5K done on the dreadmill regardless. I also learned that running while emotional/crying is NOT easy. Mad running is much more enjoyable because the anger melts away. Sadness? Well, it sticks around longer with me unfortunately. Wednesday was a new day, thankfully and I shared a gloriously sunny and windy 4 miler OUTSIDE after work with my hubby.

2. Remember me telling you that I was prescribed sleeping pills and that they worked? I lied. By Tuesday I felt completely medicine heady, and was not sleeping again. NOT sleeping WHILE taking sleeping pills isn’t a pretty site. Yesterday I was near tears I was so tired so I skipped my nightly dose and decided being tired was much better than feeling drugged AND tired. Someone pass me a caffeinated beverage….please.

3. I haven’t cooked ONCE this week. I haven’t felt like it, to be honest. Ack. I need to get back at it because I haven’t cataloged a recipe in weeks, and that’s bad.

Despite an off week, I am trying to keep a positive mantra. Spring is on it’s way, and temps are rising outside! YIPPEE!!

How’s your fitness this week? How many hours do you normally sleep each night? What’s your favorite mid week meal to prepare at home?

❤ Michelle

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