Movin' it with Michelle

Marathons and Child birth

August 6, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Two of the hardest and best accomplishments of my life, were definitely running a full marathon (x2), and childbirth (x2).

Here is how I think I looked during my first marathon…lol

I celebrate the later of these two accomplishments today, as we celebrate the 8th birthday of my youngest daughter.

Let me back track almost 15 years, to the birth of my first daughter. The pregnancy was difficult, I had several miscarriages, my then marriage SUCKED, and I felt completely isolated and alone living far away from my immediate family. Childbirth was difficult but my Mom drove out to be with me thankfully. Despite my love for my first born, immediately I swore…I’d NEVER. EVER. have more kids. My body wasn’t made for this, and this one little gift from God was mine, and I couldn’t want for anything more…

Fast forward almost 4 years, and I met the love of my life who not only loved me, but my daughter as well. A year later we were married, and a year after that we decided to try and have a baby. Within the first month I was pregnant, and nearly just as quickly I lost the baby. I wasn’t sure I could do this again…but we didn’t give up, and mid fall of 2005 we found out we were going to have a baby.

My pregnancy went without a hitch or hiccup. I was healthy as a horse (and nearly as big as one too) and worked up until my due date. Little Miss Sophia was almost a week late, deciding she would do things on HER time. (And that hasn’t changed a bit, lol). August 5th, 2006 my beautiful princess was born.

This post is dedicated to my daughters…may YOU never feel less then AMAZING-every-single-day. For your sense of wonder, inner beauty, passion for life and quirky personalities amaze ME every-single-day!!! Never, ever let the system squash your spirit!!! At the end of the day, it’s the effort you put forth in life that reaps the benefits. Be it in running, goals, parenting, careers, or relationships…it is ALWAYS worth it in the end.

Let there be cake...oh, and ice cream! — Let there be cake…oh, and ice cream!

dedication, food, moving forward, running

It’s been a busy week…

August 4, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I have really tried to keep up with my blog, as I truly love this outlet for writing and sharing my story. But sometimes, life tends to get in the way of allowing us ‘free time’ for things we love.

But this week I spent the week doing things I love. My job, running, spending time with family and friends, and cooking.

Here is my week, (more so weekend) in pictures.

My work week was busy to say the least, and despite wanting to crawl in to bed Friday night and ignore life and my upcoming alarm that was set for Saturday morning at O DARK 30, I knew I needed to get my gear ready for my 9 mile run. It still amazes me that 9 miles is now LONG for me, but I embrace it all the same as I’ve taken this year off for full marathon distance.

I made my obligatory pasta, set my gear out, and hit the hay by 10 pm.

Rice pasta with sausage....yum! — Rice pasta with sausage….yum!

I wish I could say my 9 mile run was great. But it wasn’t. It sucked. It was humbling. And I thought back to last year when I was at 16 miles at this point…I couldn’t hold pace…I thought I was going to #pantsmypoop and I wanted to die…a little. But I finished. And despite major suckage, I felt strong regardless. #nowwhereismyfoamroaller

Overall 9:41 pace, NOT where I need to be... — Overall 9:41 pace, NOT where I need to be…

I came home, showered, and tried to nap before heading out to my nieces and nephew’s bday party. Sleep was not happening, so I got up showered, and was blessed to spend time with my immediate family. I love these people. More than life itself, and I found myself hugging them all a little tighter.

It truly baffles my mind that my kids, and nieces and nephews are growing up so fast. Where does the time go?

I spent the evening later, with my amazing friends who live next door, talking, laughing, and drinking wine/water while sitting by a fire.

Today was a busy day filled with school clothes shopping at Once Upon a child and Plato’s closet. I refuse to buy brand new, and simply can’t afford to do so…200 dollars later, my kids are set. Plus we had fun planning for my youngest daughter’s 8th birthday party.

At the end of the day, I realize this…my training runs may not always go as planned. I may not always have enough time or money to keep things moving forward. BUT. I always have my friends and family to keep my spirits UP.

Tonight I made stuffed zucchini that I acquired from my amazing next door neighbors. It was easy, healthy, and delish!

Prep time, layered with pork/beef, eggplant, marinara sauce and cheese

Finished product, served over quinoa with oyster mushrooms

My youngest daughter turns 8 on Tuesday…which means no more car/booster seats in my future, and another milestone knocked off my list. My kids are growing up, and I find myself growing up with them….

I have a bad temper, lack of patience, and have too much on my plate most days. But THEY have helped me be a better person, Mom, and friend.

But all of these joys that I continue to pour myself in to each day make all the bad just a little bit better. I used to tell myself that one day things would get easier. Yet I’ve realized things DON’T get easier, EVER. You just get better at dealing with it all….

And it’s never easy. But you get stronger, every single, day. If you choose to do so…

So this week will be crazy busy, and I am ok with that…because I choose…to keep movin’ forward.

How was your week?

Do you lay your running gear the night before?

Do you like to cook?

❤ Michelle

moving forward

Monday Motivation with pictures

July 29, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I only ran ONCE last week. Yup. I can proudly admit that my life outside of running got in the way of my training, and I am totally ok with it.

Monday-rest

Tuesday-run 4 miles

Wednesday-Fox Valley Marathon planning meeting and packing for our trip

Thursday-my youngest daughters first dance recital and more packing

Friday-We hit the road running for our mini vacation to Michigan.

I packed my running clothes, but in all honesty this weekend was about family. We don’t get away very often, so when we got the chance we jumped at it like Olympic athletes. We spent our weekend at the beach, shopping, eating, walking, swimming, and site seeing. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better weekend, well…maybe if we could get that trip to Italy, LOL.

With that, I leave you with this…hang on to those who support, love, motivate, inspire, and push you to keep moving forward. I love my family despite our crazy quirks, as I know these 3 people are my cheerleaders, ALWAYS.

At the end of the day, it isn’t about our bank accounts, our pay checks, or our cars or homes. Life is truly about the relationships, moments, and memories that we make each and every day!

❤ Michelle

moving forward, running

Tuesday Truths

July 23, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

1. I have learned in my 41+ years the things that make me happy. My life goals, my passions, my ‘things’ so to speak…

They are:

Cooking

Running

Photography

*****Spending time with my family and friends (My favorite!)

Simple, right?

I’ve been studying cookbooks and websites to help diversify my cooking abilities.

I’ve been working on speed work, hills, and distance to aid in my running.

I’ve been taking pics, and working harder at editing. I am saving money for a better editing program.

And, I’ve been working harder at being a better Mom, friend, coworker, and person…sometimes a simple smile, email, text, or hug can make such a huge difference. Don’t let these moments pass you by.

2. I pushed myself tonight to run. Today was called the “hottest day” in Chicagoland this summer, but my 4 mile training run was on deck, so I of course, ran…it was hot…the humidity killed me, but my legs and my heart pushed me through the 4 miles…I thought a lot…about life, relationships, and moving forward.

How do you keep moving forward when times get tough? What is your favorite fuel for hot running temps?

❤ Michelle

running

Wordless (mostly) weekend wrap-up…

July 21, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

We welcomed Friday with open arms after a very long couple weeks at work, with minimal days off…what did we do to celebrate? Yard work…yup. Call me crazy, but it was therapeutic to FINALLY get some work done around the house.

I don't think my family was quite as excited as I was to pull this mountain of weeds... — I don’t think my family was quite as excited as I was to pull this mountain of weeds…

But after 2 hours of work, and shaky arms, we let our hair down and enjoyed a couple of my husband’s famous daiquiris. DELISH.

Let's just say, this glass of amazing goodness went down a little too smoothly, LOL! — Let’s just say, this glass of amazing goodness went down a little too smoothly, LOL!

Saturday we took the top down on the Jeep and drove around running errands. We ate a late lunch, so I decided to make a light dinner I like to call “Little bites.” We had bacon wrapped figs stuffed with goat cheese, and shrimp toasts. To. Die. For. And so easy.

Saturday evening I got my gear out as I religiously always do before a long run or race, and was in bed by 10:30 (which is GREAT for me). We had 8 miles on deck for Sunday morning, and I was again pacing the 9:30 half marathoners for our 3rd training run. Nerves always set in, but I was able to sleep until about 4 a.m. when I woke up in fear I missed my alarm. Ack…I still had an hour before I had to get up! I stayed in bed, trying to rest, and finally rolled out of bed at 5 to get ready…

Obligatory gear post-what’s your favorite fuel?

My hubby and I met up with all my friends, and we smiled, talked, and chatted as we got ready to line up to run.

Photo thanks to my friend, Jitka: here is me, Jitka, and Carolyn!

And we were off…the first couple miles Jitka, Brian, and Debra and I ran quite easily on the trails. Wow…2 miles done already? Awesome! I was holding pace easily, and then the hill of hell at Japanese gardens came…THIS hill nearly killed me in the full marathon last year, but our group barreled up it full force…so much so that I missed the turn, and nearly tacked on a good quarter mile to our route. Woops…a couple runners got irritated, and I apologized profusely. This nearly set me off course, but I had Jitka and Brian cheering me on, and I quickly brushed the negativity off my back. (note-those that know me well know how directionally challenged I am…so leading a group this size can be a bit daunting). We finished strong, and I had a huge sigh of relief when we were done despite losing part of my group.

Me and my hubby-this was his FARTHEST run to date! So proud!

And then….there was the food…

Give. Me. ALL. the. FOOD. Yup, he earned this!

And then…we napped. I am surprised how tired I get after these long runs, seeing that last year my mileage was double. I AM enjoying being home by 8:30 in the morning after a ‘long’ run, I’ll have to admit.

What is the farthest you’ve ran? What’s on your race docket this year?

I am sticking to half marathons this year…with my 3rd full scheduled for next summer with my sister. Training starts in February, so stand by for details!

Keep Movin’, y’all!!

❤ Michelle

running

Three things, Thursday

July 18, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t slept worth crap (is sleep really worth crap? I digress…) this week. I can pretty much pin point the problem, but it’s a good problem if that makes sense…

1. I am breaking up with my love of my nightly glass (or 2 or 3) of wine. For those that know me, you know I LOVE wine. I love researching vineyards, checking out new wines featured in the “Wine Spectator” magazine, and my husband and I enjoy attending wine dinners. And so my habit formed, and I saw myself downing at least 2 large glasses in the evening, which of course let to a “good night’s sleep.” But was it good? Nah…I wake up feeling unrested, and sluggish. Hung over? Nah…I’m not THAT bad, lol. But unrested regardless. So this week with my goal of not only having fun training for my hubby’s first half marathon, I decided we needed to cut back on our other passion…sorry wine…you and I will still meet up, but at a lesser frequency.

2. Sometimes, people will hurt our feelings. I will leave this one a bit vague…but I will say I have a teenage daughter. (Enough said? lol)

Despite having a great day at work, my heart got the best of me, and I let attitudes and looks nearly ruin my day. I went upstairs to change in to my running clothes, yet really I just wanted to sit in the bathroom and cry silent tears. I splashed water on my face, got my gear on, and came downstairs to get ready with my husband for our 4 mile run. Thursdays work perfectly for our run as we drop our youngest off at the Park District at dance class for an hour, which is just enough time to run and peak in and see her dance for a few minutes. But my oldest saw my face…and knew I was upset after I finished getting ready. “Mom, can I have a hug?” Of course…I love my daughters dearly…#sigh

3. My husband and I had a GREAT run. Neither of us has been feeling very rested…between the wine, and working more hours than we can count, we decided tonight’s run we would take it easy. We did our speed/hill work out Tuesday, so tonight we planned on settling in with him letting me dictate the pace. My goal was to keep it under a 9:30 pace, with a desired average pace of 9:15. We finished at a average pace of 9:18, and the best part? Him looking at me nearly bewildered saying, “That was a GREAT run, and I felt like I could’ve kept going!” WIN. During our run along the Fox River we spotted several fisherman that had 6-8 fishing poles set up. My husband remarked, “Just think, some of these guys are probably relying on those fish for dinner.” And suddenly my piles of student loans and debt seemed very small…and I silently slapped myself in the head for always wanting more…

Oh, and my hubby has learned this lesson too during his long runs…LOL

How is your week going? Do you use speed/hills in your training? How do you prevent chafing? (I use good ole Vaseline) Have you counted your blessings tonight? There is still time…

❤ Michelle

running, Uncategorized

Running and flying, in no particular order

July 16, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Tuesdays are typically our speed/hill work runs. We are remaining pretty consistent with our training, and I have to give my hubby a huge shout out for not giving up with his first half marathon training. Yet with the humidity the Chicagoland area has been hit with lately, it’s been hard for me to keep my breathing steady and my legs not feeling like I am carrying 2 bricks as I run. So today, when walking out of work I was hit with a cool breeze that slapped me in the face and I smiled. We were going to have an Epic run tonight. Despite the huge blister on my second toe that I acquired in last year’s 20 mile training run (20 miles of running in torrential downpour rain, with thunder and lightening to boot) that I’ve had to now bandage as it’s resurfaced with all the rainy runs, I knew this one would be good.

We laced up for our 4 miler as soon as we got home from work, and hit the road running. I knew immediately my intuitions were spot on, and even the first mile felt GREAT. This NEVER happens for me. My goal for us on this run was an average of a 9 minute mile, as this is our race pace goal. Our course is laden with 2 significant uphill climbs that I incorporate for our hill work outs. I love doubling both hills, with speed as it makes the run tougher…but in turn it makes us stronger runners.

By mile 2 I felt the wind not only fighting me, but fueling me to push harder…and suddenly I was flying. I settled in as we barreled up the first of two hills at an 8:58 pace, where just last week we were at a 9:06 pace. The second hill was tougher as it is in the last mile of our run. I looked down at my watch, and we were clocking a 8:46 pace…KEEP PUSHING…I had to stop briefly to stretch my calf, but we took back off full force towards our house…and as we hit the last half mile, I took off…I didn’t think…I didn’t look at my watch…I just RAN. I peeked out of the corner of my eye, and there was my hubby holding steady next to me…so I ran faster…I flew…we finished our last mile at an 8:33 pace, which is probably my fastest mile in several years. After several high fives, and a sweaty kiss we finished our run with huge smiles and a great feeling of satisfaction and pride. Our splits were: 9:11, 9:00, 9:03, 8:33

Do you incorporate speed and hills in to your training?

goals, moving forward

Monday Motivation, and stuff…

July 15, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I didn’t get my run in, Sunday. Nope…although I had planned on a quick short run of 3 miles, my body protested and instead I found myself stripping off my scrubs Sunday at 3 p.m. and pouring myself into the freshly washed sheets that embraced me lovingly with their freshly perfumed scent after just coming out of the dryer. I set my alarm for 4:30, smiled sheepishly at my running shoes, and as soon as my head hit the pillow I was OUT.

Yup...this was totally ME. — Yup…this was totally ME.

Work this weekend…well, was work. I am so far out of my comfort zone trying to manage an ENTIRE laboratory vs. just my section so by Sunday afternoon my brain was fried. Between nasty phone calls from angry customers, and trying to troubleshoot problems in which I didn’t even understand the process, I needed a NAP. Hmmm…this seems to becoming a pattern on my blog lately, no? LOL

I admit, I don’t get enough sleep…my “free time” in the evening starts at around 8-9 p.m. and with that, I mean time to get cleaning, laundry, meals prepped and chores done that I’ve let pile up far too long…But I wouldn’t trade a single second for the world. Although I’d love if someone went grocery shopping for me, since I forgot to squeeze that in today…

Sunday night, I was blessed to spend the evening with friends, celebrating one of my running friends birthday. It took my break away, the love that can be felt in a room full of people who primarily run together. We don’t work together, we don’t have kids in the same schools or sports, we don’t go out very often outside of lacing up in the wee hours of the morning to run or race. But get a group like this together on any given night, let alone a birthday and you will feel the connection and bond for miles. These friends have stuck with you in the toughest of miles, they have laughed with you on long runs when your delirious mode sets in full force, and they have helped keep you motivated to KEEP MOVIN’ FORWARD.

Some of my amazing running friends...<3 — Some of my amazing running friends…<3

Last night, I caught this GREAT shot of the super moon…and it was retweeted by the Kane County Chronicle! YAY ME! I love capturing awesome moments with my camera.

Today, I was able to reconnect with my sister that I haven’t seen since May. She and I, along with my kids, and hers minus 1 met for lunch today. IT WAS GREAT. Man I miss those little people (although most of them tower over me already, lol), and her SO much. We’ve agreed this will become a habit!!! It was great to chat, eat good food, and just let the kids be silly. Maybe too silly for a restaurant, but hey, they don’t see each other very often, LOL. She has always been such a huge inspiration to me, and I need to make more time for her and her amazing family.

A shout out to my sister...who didn't leave my side for 26.2 miles in 2012, and in life. LOVE. But who is that random dude to our left? LOL — A shout out to my sister…who didn’t leave my side for 26.2 miles in 2012, and in life. LOVE. But who is that random dude to our left? LOL

I should’ve come home and cleaned…but instead I watched “Hook” with my daughters after running to Target for new swimsuits for our mini-vacation to Michigan in 2 weeks. My first “Mom” suit, and I think it’s pretty cute!

Does it make me old to really think this suit is amazing?

I did make this amazing crab salad for dinner. Super easy, and pretty healthy. I also made my own take on dressing using blue cheese yogurt dressing, to which I added crumbled bacon, chives, and garlic to make it complete! DELISH!

This took literally 15 minutes to make! And my kids loved it!

I’ve been pretty lax in my training this summer, and I have to admit despite missing the mileage of a full marathon training schedule, it has been great just having fun with my running. The winter of 2015 will bring full marathon training and I know my legs will thank me for relaxing this summer/fall.

At the end of the day, I find myself beyond thankful that I have remained pretty healthy despite my right knee acting up from time to time. I think resting last winter and running only casually helped, and I will repeat this “resting” process as my knees have nearly 30 years of mileage on them.

Do you allow yourself time to rest?

Thanks for all the amazing support…y’all rock!

❤ Michelle

Friday, training

Five things, Friday

July 12, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

This week has been a little crazy. I am working 6 days this week, which always puts me off course in trying to get everything done around the house.

So here are my “five things”…

1. Taking the time to unplug more, has given me a lot more time to read, write, cook, and get stuff done around the house. Today was my only day off, so I cleaned the garage, finished staining my deck, and repainted my fire pit. Note to self, use the right color paint. I accidentally bought WHITE heat resilient paint, so as soon as I started spraying I thought OH CRAP. A second trip to the home depot saved the day. It is now a pretty black.

2. The hubby and I have stayed on point with our half marathon training. We were both visibly tired tonight when get got home from work, and while we stood on our driveway I said, “I don’t want to run.” This rarely happens. But I just wasn’t feeling it. It was humid, and getting ready to rain and I simply was feeling like a lazy thug. We ran anyway, and finished at a decent pace of around 9:45. We normally do our long runs at a 9:30 pace, but I needed to slow down, and heck, that’s ok sometimes too.

3. I have truly been enjoying taking my youngest to dance class at the park district. She really enjoys it, and although I am still having a hard time getting her to focus during class-I see how happy she is and that makes it all worth while.

I can't help but to sing this song on the way to her class, LOL — I can’t help but to sing this song on the way to her class, LOL

4. Note to self: do NOT eat this for lunch on the day of a longer run. Yeah…my stomach nearly killed me the entire 10k.

photo credit to JM — photo credit to Jersey Mikes

5. I rarely wish days away, but I can tell you I am already dreading the next two days of work. I am not doing my regular job as a Histology Lab supervisor, as a few of the lab supervisors have to rotate through weekends being in charge of the ENTIRE lab. Yikes…I hate not knowing the answers to people’s questions…Is it Sunday afternoon yet?

Yup, this will be me. Pray for minimal crisis control this weekend, PLEASE! LOL

What are you training for? Do you ever have to step out of your comfort zone at work and do additional duties? If so, how to you cope?

Have a great weekend, gang!

goals

Real life adventure…

July 11, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I’ve taken a step back from the electronic world so to speak somewhat. I have decided that I need to regroup, and refocus on my passions.

Yesterday my hubby and I went out for our 4 mile training run. I briefed him that this run would be at a steady pace, and that he simply needed to stick with me. We are in week 8 of an 18 week training plan while juggle working weekends, life, kids, and disintegrating windows coming off of our sum pump failing. So last night after our appointment with Pella window dudes, we laced up and ran.

My dailymile recap went a little like this:

Great training/fartlek run with Brian. I can’t decide between my favorite moment for this run:
Jumping in the puddles, flying with my arms spread open yelling WHEEEEE, or Brian asking me to sneak off in to the woods, or kicking his butt while barreling up the hills at a 9:06 pace…
Splits were 9:30, 9:27, 9:12, and 8:51.
BOOYAH

We completed our 4 mile run at a 9:15 pace, and held strong with negative splits. But the best part of it all? Spending the evening celebrating with a glass of wine, and talking. I am blessed to be married to my best friend, the man I can share everything with…after talking about our friend’s pregnancy, we revisited the miscarriage we encountered just shortly before the conception of our baby Sophia in 2005. And I cried. I wiped the tears away remembering how hard it was to lose a child. But I was blessed by a gift from God to have been blessed with a second child after doctors telling me to NOT try again in 2006.

I continue to wipe away the tears after reading the book, “One Lavender Ribbon” written by Heather Burch. This book was about a women in her late 20’s that was recently divorced. She picked up her life, moved to Florida and decided to restore a Victorian home. While doing so, she found letters written in the WWII time frame, and sought out the Veteran that the letters were addressed to…in turn she found family, love, and hope.

My night was complete after taking my youngest to her dance class. Her passion is music and dance, and for years I couldn’t find a class that adhered to the working Mother schedule. Yet for the last 4 weeks I have been able to come home from work, get her ready, and take her to class.

And so, and the end of the crazy busy day, I realize how very blessed I am. I work. I train. I am a Mom. I am a wife. I am a friend. And it’s all just plain awesome.

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