Movin' it with Michelle

dedication, food, goals, moving forward, Uncategorized

Hubby, hills, and hellha-smiles

May 16, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Wednesday went a little like this:
Today was a busy day…we’ve got turnover in staff, stress, and work piling on…and I LOVE IT.
I nearly broke under pressure, but regrouped quickly…and was even told what I good job I did presenting an issue to one of our VP’s. #lifeisgood

But in all the chaos, running errands after work, and getting things settled my amazing husband said, “We are running.”
I am so proud of his dedication to our pre-half marathon training.
I had a terrible headache. I was tired.
I ran 4 miles with my amazing husband who has embraced my craziness.

But most of all, I shared my passion with the person who knows me best. He looked at my around mile two, and had a smile from ear to ear and my heart sang. He realized where my running joy stemmed from…
We ran hills, and on the downward stretch I found myself “WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEING” all the way down.
I love to run. Even more so, with my people…my persons. My HOME of all homes.

Fast. Slow. Steady. Stopping.

There is something to be said about the constants we have in life. And I. Have many…Family, friends, food, fitness, fotos….my constant passions and reminders that I have a greater purpose in this crazy world…

Tonight we went out to dinner not for a special occasion really, but more so to celebrate how far we’ve come in life, in our marriage, and in being able to tackle so many struggles.

Check it out…

Lamb loin with fiddleheads? Yes please... — Lamb loin with fiddleheads? Yes please…

We spent the evening (our rest day) surrounded by what some would call strangers. But we talked, laughed, and conversed with members of our local community we had not yet met before, yet became fast friends.

The owner of the vineyard remembered us from a previous wine dinner nearly two years ago. She welcomed us passionately, and I was reminded why I fell in love with Fiddlehead Cellar winery. It’s premise is passion…and you can see it in the owners eyes. We were blessed to sit with her at the head table during a wine dinner two years ago along with her Mother, and the memory will forever be engrained in my heart and mind.

And at the end of the day I realize life is all about passion, constants, and moving forward.

Find your passion, and run with it like the wind…

What’s your passion?

Uncategorized

Leibster award nomination!

May 14, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I’ve been blessed to be nominated for the Leibster award for a second time, so thought I’d play along as I find it fun to get to know everyone! Here are my 10 questions…

1. Why Blog?

I blog to express myself, in fitness, cooking, photography and writing. If I can inspire just one person-my purpose is complete.

2. What is your preferred fitness activity?

I am a runner by nature, but also love to bike, weight train, and do yoga (never thought I’d say that)

3. Who do you admire?

I admire many people…but I’d have to say my husband is my biggest inspiration. He works hard, no matter what set backs he may encounter, and never stops movin’ forward.

4. If you could have one food everyday, what would it be?

Sushi. Hands down.

5. Who is on your playlist?

Everyone from Mandisa, to Eminem and Linkin park mixed with a little bit of country.

6. What is your favorite meal/dish?

Anything grilled! My husband is our grill master, and I love complimenting his food with my side dishes.

7. If you can travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?

Italy. No question.

8. What would you do with your winnings if you won the lottery?

I would invest half…donate a quarter, and use the remainder to put my kids through college!

9. What do you do in your down time?

Downtime? I don’t have a lot…but I make sure to run 3 times per week, walk, cook, and take pics of my amazing family!

10. Morning person or Night Owl?

Night owl all the way…it’s such a curse for a runner to be a night owl sometimes, LOL!

Now, 10 random facts about me…

1. I don’t have cable, and only miss the foodnetwork/cooking chanel

2. Although I seem outgoing, I am very much a homebody surrounding myself with my “people.”

3. I’ve never been anywhere outside of the United States besides Mexico and Canada

4. I grew up a tom boy, with guns, fishing poles, and dirt under my nails more times than not.

5. As a kid, my favorite show was “Little house on the Prairie” and I still love this show/books

6. I started writing poetry in 6th grade, and love the written word.

7. I am a believer in the United States, the military, and all things patriotic.

8. I never thought I could finish a full marathon…ever…yet I’ve completed 2 full marathon races.

9. I am my biggest enemy, and biggest supporter. It’s a never ending battle.

10. After suffering from some pretty tough times, I have refocused my energy on inspiring others with my quirky story.

My Nominees are:

http://barbweickselsgiftofgab.wordpress.com/

http://www.thegoodlifegirl.com/

http://lakefronttrail.blogspot.com/

http://www.xaarlin.com/

http://ilaxstudio.blogspot.com/

http://confessionsofamotherrunner.com/

http://babywilt-eatlessmovemore.blogspot.com/

http://bostonboundbrunette.blogspot.com/

http://andsoitburns.blogspot.com/

Ok, here are the questions I’d like to see you answer!

1. What is your favorite distance to run/walk/bike?

2. What made you start blogging?

3. Cooking or takeout?

4. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

5. What is your biggest pet peeve?

6. Who has been your biggest supporter in your life goals/challenges?

7. Name one food you can’t live without-healthy and unhealthy…ok, that’s 2 foods!

8. Do you prefer to work out in groups, or solo?

9. Name your best accomplishment, of all time!

10. If you could turn back time and change one thing, what would it be?

Now it’s your turn…answer the questions if you’d like, and nominate some of your favorite pages!

Uncategorized

Obligatory Mother’s day post, and more…

May 12, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I never thought I would be a Mother. I never wanted kids growing up…it just wasn’t a life goal of mine. I have always considered myself a free spirit, and one who wanted to fly by the seat of my pants. I never used to be good with commitment…I have had so many failed relationships in my life both growing up, and in my 20’s that I found counting on myself was my best bet…

But in 1999 I was blessed with a gift…after more miscarriages then I can count, my life changed with a positive pregnancy test just after Christmas of ’99. September 22nd I was blessed with a child, a gift from God, and a reminder that life is a miracle. Just months later I found myself divorced, alone with an infant, and scared out of my mind.

How would I raise a child on my own, when I never even dreamed of having kids? I didn’t have family close to help, so I held on dearly to my Air Force family that helped me raise my little J for the first 3 years of her life…

And then…I met my soul mate in 2003, and my life would be forever changed. He not only fell in love with me, he fell in love with my daughter who would soon become his first born. I was told to never try and have more kids…yet we tried in 2004, with our first attempt resulting in a miscarriage. I wasn’t sure I could try again…but WE did…and a second miracle graced herself in our life, and we are now a family of four +1 furbaby.

Today I was woken up to my family dressed in running gear, with gifts of running gear for Mommy…I held back the tears, changed my clothes, and hit the trails running/walking with my family. MY family…my “persons” knowing what I love best, planned a beautiful day of running, going out to breakfast, and BBQ’ing in our backyard…

I USED to think my life would always be in turmoil…I had a couple decades of very tough years…heck, haven’t we all?

But I changed my mindset, and in doing so, I changed my life. I continue to surround myself with positive forces, friends, and family who keep me movin’ forward.

Tonight, we signed up for a half marathon…but not just ANY half marathon…my husband decided to run a half marathon WITH me…YAHOOO! I can’t wait. Fox Valley half here we come!!!

After a nice week of rest, this week start back at it with training!

What are you training for?

dedication, goals, moving forward

The end of an era (or 2)…

May 9, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I have struggled keeping my Facebook page alive these last few months with the changing algorithms FB is has forced on us…the pages that don’t pay to promote or boost have been shoved to the back of the line, with the sneakiest of moves-magically unliking my page from my closest friends, and hiding it from nearly everyone.

I built my page back in late 2012, as an outlet to give motivation and inspiration to those who may need it at any given moment. I, having been at a pretty dark place in my life more times then I can count know how important it is to get positive feedback. Some scoff at sharing motivational pics, posts, etc…but I have come to enjoy sharing cool pictures I find, and even ones I’ve made myself.

But the FB gurus and powers that be, have decided which pages to keep movin’, and which to sideline. Mine, was a choice of the latter sense, and it left my heart rather heavy, and admittedly with a few tears. I won’t take the page down…no. I’ve worked to hard for it…but I will focus more on other outlets to reach those in need…

Why, you ask? I was the person in need once (ok, more than once)…and I was told to “suck it up butter cup.” “Put your big girl panties on.”
I was told I was OK…I was told, YOU. are fine. But I wasn’t fine…for a long time. I was terrified, scared, and suffering from nightmares I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy. Just wait…My book on PTSD and the lack of help the military provides will be authored, one day…yet again, I digress.

But I kept moving forward. Somehow by the grace of God, I didn’t give up…

And THAT was the premise of my FB page.

But FB wants happy stories of butterflies and unicorns…and I just can’t keep that promise daily.

So tonight, I sidelined my work out for something much more important: My eldest daughter’s last band performance. She’s decided to give it up as she tackles her high school career so as a family we attended her last concert. I laughed, teased from the audience, and made her giggle as the younger grades performed. She (I think) loves the fact that her family is so darn silly…
But then, the 8th grade was ready to perform, and I saw and heard my baby girl play beautifully, and I had to choke back the tears of pride.
My kids have given me a run for my money this year…school has been a struggle for them both between academics and social interaction. BUT tonight, I watched my baby play her flute at an 8th grade level, and found myself beaming. She’s kept movin’ forward too…and I couldn’t be more proud.

I leave you all with this…people will try to steal your joy, rain on your parade, and expect more than you can often offer….
My advice?
Keep Movin’ forward…leave the negative behind…and always, believe in yourself.

❤ Michelle

moving forward, running

Great Western Half Marathon 2014, the good, the bad, and the ugly…

May 5, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Race day started a little like this:
I woke up this morning just before 3 am to pee…and couldn’t fall back to sleep. When I retain water, I feel it first in my hands and as soon as I woke up I realized I couldn’t get my rings off…the scale confirmed added water weight, and immediately got nervous. I tried to go back to sleep with no luck, so I was starting race day with about 4 hours of sleep. Ack.
I got up at 0540 hrs and slowly started getting ready. My gear was all set out, so thankfully I didn’t have to think about too much. I was ready…
I came downstairs, had my Nuun water and scoop of peanut butter with chia seeds…it’s my go to pre-race fuel as my stomach often likes to act up on race day.
I met the girls at the school where the buses were shuttling runners to the race, and we were lucky enough to have Katy’s husband drop us off. We were there with a good 45 minutes to spare, so we checked our bags and made our way to the porta potties. It was windy, overcast, and quite cold but made for perfect running conditions (minus the wind). I did a 1/4-1/2 mile loop to warm up, and soon it was time to settle in to our respective starting time waves.

I went into this race with NO expectations. I wanted to finish, and not die. My winter running has been sporadic to say the least, and the polar vortex of Chiberia kept me indoors most of the winter which meant 2-3 miles on the dreadmill, and walking the halls of the hospital on lunch break. Thankfully the last month or so I have managed to get my long runs in on the weekends, but the longest I’ve done in 2014 is 10 miles. I have, however, been working on my speed work outs ensuring at least 1-2 of my short runs were at desired race pace or faster. I worked so hard to get my speed last winter, which often curtails in the summer due to full marathon training and heat which slows me down. This year, however, I will NOT be running any full marathons, so my goals early in the year were speed. Yet I digress…back to the race.

As our wave took off, I watched Janel and Melissa take off at breaking speed…I smiled, knowing my own limitations of having to hold myself back the first few miles in order to save gas for the end. Katy and I hung together the first couple miles, and around mile three it was time to break away and run my race.
I. Felt. Great. I was running at a pretty constant pace of 9:20 the first few miles…breakdown of my miles: Splits were 9:20, 9:22, 9:37, 9:26, 9:33, 9:16, 9:16, 9:04, 8:52, 9:02, 9:02, 8:39, 8:48, 7:45 for the last .2
I hit mile 6, and I was no longer running…I couldn’t feel my feet hitting the crushed limestone, yet the beautiful sounds your feet make when hitting the ground lulled me into a beautiful rhythm,…I found myself once again, flying. I was running physically, but my body was flying, singing, dancing to a beat only I truly understand. Seeing my friends both on the way out, and coming back gave me an added perk in my step, and I saw a possibly sub 2 in my horizon. At mile 8 I felt my calf cramped up so I stopped at the next aid station to take salt tabs and walk it off. I walked (fast) all of the water stops, and wonder if this lead to the demise of my sub-2 dream…
Yet I kept pushing, nearing the point of losing what little was in my stomach several times (for half marathons I fuel with sport beans only every 4-5 miles to save my stomach), but I was NOT going to give up…I saw Janel and Melissa at mile 8-9 and gave them a quick pat and smile as I barreled through the trails and runners, to finish this race strong. The last mile and a half was beyond difficult, with the slight up hill curve and the wind picking up and deciding to slap me in the very tired face…but I kept movin’ forward. I felt my Garmin vibrate signaling the 13 mile mark, and watched my sub-2 goal fly by in the wind. I crossed the finish line at 2:01:09, and after getting my medal I had to choke back the tears.

People tease the fact I am so emotional at times, but I have come to love who I am, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
This race was tough for me, being under trained after a tough winter both in running, and in life.
But I proved to myself today, that no matter what happens, I don’t quit.
That sub 2 marathon WILL be mine…it’s just a matter of not giving up.

I did celebrate with my daughters, and TRIED to eat this…my poor stomach said otherwise, LOL.

BLT, not so much...LOL — BLT, not so much…LOL

All in all, it was a GREAT race…
Despite some glitches in registration, the race staff and volunteers were AMAZING, the course was well marked, and aid stations were plentiful. This was my second time doing the Great Western Half, and it won’t be my last!

❤
Michelle

food

Recipe and real life sharing time…

May 2, 2014March 3, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

The first recipe I’ll share since so many have requested it, is my roasted carrot and red pepper with onion puree. This can be served with your favorite protein, salad, or whatever sounds good to you at the time!

This awesome 'mash' can be substituted for your basic mashed potatoes! — This awesome ‘mash’ can be substituted for your basic mashed potatoes!

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees
Gather the following ingredients:
4 large carrots, chopped into bite size pieces
2 red peppers, chopped
1 small white onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Mix these ingredients in a large bowl, and season with avocado oil, kosher salt and pepper, Mediterranean oregano and basil, cayenne pepper, and cumin. I don’t ‘measure’ more so use a pinch of each until it smells just right…
Mix well, and spread on a cookie sheet that has been lined with aluminum foil (spray with cooking spray) and roast at 375 degrees for about 25-30 minutes.

While the veggies are roasting, get your food processer out…add 1/2 cup of veggie stock, 1 pat of unsalted butter, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Take the roasted veggies out of the oven, and let cool for about five minutes.
Transfer them into your food processor and pulse on high until you achieve desired consistency.

Next, we have a super easy pistachio crust that will add a yummy crunch to any protein.

What you’ll need:
2 cups of pistachios (I employ my daughter’s help to de-shell them)
2 cloves of garlic
2 teaspoons of lemon zest
2 teaspoons of avocado oil
Kosher salt, pepper, oregano and basil to taste
Throw it all in your food processor and pulse until the mixture is at a breadcrumb consistency.
I used Tilapia that I patted dry and seasoned with kosher salt and pepper. Place on a baking rack that has been sprayed with non stick spray, and liberally apply your pistachio mixture on top of your protein, and bake at 375 for about 20-25 minutes depending on the protein. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!

I am trying my best to come up with healthy substitutes for family favorites that will leave my family and our appetites satisfied.
I am realizing that the extra weight I am carrying is my fault, and my fault alone.
I have substituted breakfast for protein shakes, and am choosing proteins and veggies over French fries and chips (98% of the time).
I am placing my health, and my happiness in my OWN hands, and have seen so many fabulous changes in such a short time…
I am down 4 lbs, with 6 lbs to go, and am not giving up on my dreams of a sub-2 hour half marathon.
I am not letting distance snobs that say “oh it’s JUST a half marathon” take away from my joy…

For part of moving forward, is starting at square one-with healthy eats, positive attitudes, and above all-confidence in all that you do…be it work, cooking, family, or fitness…the race is yours to win…

Keep Movin’ forward, gang…

❤ Michelle

moving forward, running, strength, training

T-1 Week-Not feeling ready…

April 28, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t posted all week. Ack…my goals of posting twice a week just didn’t happen this week, but I am allowing myself a touch of slack. Work has been crazy busy, and I am still trying to find my way. We are in our inspection window, and I am a bit terrified to say the least not knowing all the ins and outs of the lab. But all I can do is my best, right?

I didn’t feel ‘myself’ this past week, feeling extra bloated, tired and yucky to say the least. I still managed to run 3 times logging my last long run of 8.3 miles yesterday before my half marathon this coming Sunday. I woke up yesterday with the sun, so decided to get up and go to run club. Most of my run club friends are super speedy on Saturdays so I don’t feel guilty if I miss attending, because often times I end up running alone. A friend offered to run a slower pace of 10+ minutes miles with me, so I happily joined the group at 0645 hrs. for our group run. The first few miles are always tough, but I found myself able to settle in and able to run at a ‘chatty’ pace the next couple miles. Around mile 6 my ITB started to get pissy, so I stopped to stretch quick and kept going. This by far was not my strongest run, but I felt great to be out there running with friends. The added nearly 10 lbs of winter weight is NOT helping me at all, and I am having such a hard time shedding said pounds. Between 2 years of marathon training, weight gain, chiberia and eating like I am still training for a marathon (which I am NOT), I am finding myself in an unknown place. I have only been ‘overweight’ after having kids. I don’t know if it’s being over 40, loving food too much, or WHAT…but I am struggling.
I wanted to work out today, but have had a sick little one all weekend so my last two days were spent taking care of her vs. doing anything enjoyable sadly. It just goes to show all weekends can’t be great ones. My weekend was spent cleaning the house, cleaning up puke, and tending to an unexplainable fever…fun? No…but I pray my little one feels better soon.
My half marathon is one week from today, and for the first time in two years I am terrified of the distance. This isn’t my first rodeo, but I feel undertrained, overweight, and SO NOT READY.
Here’s praying the half marathon God’s are with me on Sunday…I’ll need all the help I can get.

dedication, food, goals, moving forward, Uncategorized

The rebirth of so many things…Weekend wrap up!

April 21, 2014April 21, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I have had, the BEST weekend, nearly EVER. Ok, that is exaggerating…but this weekend truly was stellar. And in being a part of this amazing weekend, I was reminded of how far I’ve come in life.

Friday night was spent with my family and friends watching our good friend’s son perform in his last high school performance of “Guys and Dolls.” We’ve watched him grow from a young sophomore, to a well seasoned senior that literally stole the show. I was in awe of his talent, and seeing him come out to greet the audience waiting to cheer on the performers yet having him zero in on my 7 year old holding a single rose to congratulate him made me swallow a huge lump in my throat. The adults spent the remainder of the evening huddled around a fire drinking wine and talking and I thanked my lucky stars for all the amazing people I’ve met since retiring from the Air Force.

As posted in my previous blog, I got my long run done on Saturday, and it was a really great run. We were lucky enough to spend the evening with friends again Saturday night, and I went to bed happy. The Easter baskets were set out, eggs hidden, and my alarm set for church.

I woke up to my husband snuggling with me, and my 7 year old crawling in to bed to wish us a Happy Easter. Can you get a better start to a day? I don’t think so…My husband was even so sweet to surprise me with an Easter card that held an ITunes gift card…he knows me too well.
We went to church, saw my RBF and her family, and I felt so blessed with such an amazing service while being surrounded by my family and friends.
We went out for breakfast, and came home for our annual at home Easter Egg hunt, and spent the rest of the day outside. I truly felt reborn having spent the weekend with some of my favorite people, running, and catching some much needed Vitamin D.

We grilled out tonight, and my hubby made some amazing steaks. I only had a small portion, but it was yummy! I did make a delicious roasted carrot, red pepper and onion mash that was off the chain! Holler if you want the recipe!

Grilled steak with chimichurri, roasted carrot, red pepper and onion mash and good ole corn on the cob!

I’ve learned a lot since retiring from the Air Force…stripes, race times, money, PR’s, NONE of that validates who I am. Nope…I validate ME. I let others dictate my happiness for far too long…It feels good to take control. And as always, KEEP MOVIN’FORWARD.

dedication, goals, moving forward, running

Finding myself on the trails…

April 20, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t blogged all week…yes, total blogger fail as my goal this year was to blog at least twice a week. But I found some inspiration on the trails tonight, and feel compelled to share it with you all…

I am 41 years old…or young, depending on how you look at it. My outward appearance shows the normal signs of aging, with crevices deepening under my eyes, and on my forehead. But my heart and soul, although wise with age, state otherwise…

Today I had an 8 mile long run planned, and I had to giggle at the fact I was a bit daunted by my last two long runs…last weekend was a 10 miler, which was plain HARD. Last year at this time I would say when someone asked me how far I was running that I was “only” going 8/10 miles, but after a winter in Chiberia and lack of running long, I have a new found respect for distance running.

That being said, I found out a lot about myself today during my 8 miler…

1. I love to run.
2. Running can be hard.
3. Waving and high fiving other runners is something I will always do…
4. Respect others on the trail as much as you respect your own space. We are all out there MOVING for a reason…
5. There comes a time during nearly every run (for me) that I forget I am running…and suddenly I am flying, dancing, and moving with the wind…the trails are simply my platform, and I find a joy in that moment of euphoria that compares to nearly nothing…
6. Sometimes, if not nearly always, you need to forget all the reasons you ‘can’t’ and push forward to all the reasons you CAN.
7. Take all the negative energy, lack of support, and naysayer CRAP, and use it as fuel to keep you moving forward.
8. Prove ’em wrong, always, and prove to yourself that fear is simply fuel for your success.
9. Run with your heart first, and your legs will follow suit.
10. Respect, Love, and Embrace every single distance.

Here are some photos seen from my run today…

Keep Movin’ forward, gang…

❤ Michelle

Uncategorized

Sunday, summation…

April 14, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I wasn’t going to post tonight…I didn’t run any amazing races or break any PR’s…yesterday I ran my 10 miler solo, and it. was. hard. I spent my weekend “off” running, doing chores, yard work, and cooking.

I reached out to several friends, and was amazed at the outcome. I watched movies…listened to my favorite music, and spent time with some pretty amazing people.

The word amazing seems to highlight my life. Yet with the caveat that my life is hard just like everyone else’s. Yet I choose…to find the amazing in…EVERY…SINGLE…day.

Ten miler, done…housework, done…family time, spent…

This week brings on my taper…I will run, do yoga, and work out…and I will cherish every single moment.

Life…is…good.

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