Movin' it with Michelle

Breaking up with the past, and more…

May 28, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I didn’t blog last week…we all have those weeks that catch up with us and we find ourselves too busy to have time to unwind.
And this blog, is my unwind/rant/let it all go type of space.

Last week I only logged 10 miles. 2 runs with my hubby, and a five miler on my own. I see myself getting stronger, and a tad faster despite the impeding humidity. We gave ourselves the weekend off, as my hubby was suffering from a pretty sore knee and I don’t want him to get injured before official half marathon training starts next month.

Last week I cut out nearly all gluten, processed foods, and wheat to see if it helps my tummy issues. So far, not a big change, but I am continuing on my search for a healthier me. I am down 1 lb. with 8 more to go.

Last week I let some unnamed ghosts of the past haunt me, and I have since then kicked my own tail, and have decided to quit chasing relationships that don’t exist and focus on the great people in my life instead. It’s a daily struggle, but I’ll keep movin’ forward.

Last weekend, I spent the weekend with my family having fun in the city, and working hard on our home. We also enjoyed some yummy octopus that I can proudly say my kids ate and loved. I was also blessed to attend church with my family and friends, who have become family to me in these last three years of living in the Midwest. I even attending my running sister’s first Mary Kay party! What fun to be pampered for 2 hours!

me and the hubs at our favorite place in Chicago!

Carolyn's first MK party! — Carolyn’s first MK party!

Final dish, grilled octopus served over an arugula and escarole salad with sautéed shitake mushrooms, garnished with a red pepper relish

my amazing daughters that will try anything I put in front of them!

Memorial day we spent the day staining our deck, weeding the garden, and trimming the hedges that have somehow have TREES growing in them…WHAT? I have the scars to prove it, LOL. I got nearly 2 miles in before some major storms hit, and kept my pace in a sub 9 min mile pace. My goal is to keep that pace for many more miles, but I am starting this goal with realistic expectations.

Last night, my husband and I watched my all time favorite show, “The Master Chef” and I was reminded of my desire to be a professional Chef/cook one day. Besides running, I find myself at peace the most when I am in the kitchen ‘creating.’ He urged me to try out last year, but sadly real life can get in the way of our life goals and dreams sometimes and we have to keep plugging forward in jobs that satisfy the ultimate purpose of paying the bills, not fueling the life passions we may currently covet.

Tonight, the hubby and I ran our 2 miles in a gazillion percent humidity at a 9:18 min mile average pace. Not our best, but we got out on the trails before we were hit with some crazy storms.

As much as I preach it, I am still learning myself…to Keep. Movin’. Forward.

dedication, food, goals, moving forward

New kicks, and first double run today

May 19, 2014May 19, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Weekends always seem to fly by in my house. There is so much to get done in the short two days we call “the weekend.”

The hubby and I got new kicks this weekend for his upcoming half marathon training, and what will more than likely (unless I sign up for another before hand) my 10th half marathon this fall.

I got two pairs of shoes-both Saucony-the fast witch 7’s for shorter runs, and the Guide 6’s for distance. After shoe shopping we headed out to lunch as a family, saw the movie Godzilla (great movie!) and then came home to do a few hours of yard work. We live on an acre and a half lot, so while the hubby mowed, the girls and I trimmed hedges, planted seeds, and weeded the garden. I have an electric hedge trimmer, and I’ll admit my arms were on fire this morning after 2 hours of trimming, LOL! I am so glad we are finally seeing spring weather!
I was woken up by my hubby this morning after letting me sleep in until 9 am for our run. We had 5-6 miles on deck, and I am so beyond proud of my husband for logging 6 miles today. It wasn’t easy, but he didn’t give up. I had him try Sport beans for fuel at the four mile mark, which he quickly spit out, LOL. I guess we need to research fuel for him!!

For dinner, we had roasted chicken with a cucumber salad and Brussels sprouts.

Here is the recipe:
You’ll need:
8 skinless/boneless chicken thighs
The juice of 4 lemons
2 sprigs of Chinese celery chopped finely
4 cloves of garlic, minced finely
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard

Whisk all the ingredients (minus the chicken) together, and pour over your chicken in a sealable container. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Roast at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes and let rest.

Brussels sprout recipe:
You’ll need:
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 strips of bacon, diced
salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
3-4 cups of Brussels sprouts cleaned, and halved
Sautee your onions, garlic, bacon, and red pepper flakes until crispy.
Add your Brussels sprouts, salt, and pepper for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned

Cucumber salad recipe:
You’ll need:
8 mini cucumbers, halved and diced
1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 of one small red onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
dash of salt, pepper, oregano and basil
dash of white wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil
Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving

I needed a couple more miles to keep up with where I’ve been, so after dinner I laced up my new Guide 7’s with an added surprise of having my eldest ask if she could join me. We did an easy 2 miler, and although she struggled with her breathing I am so proud she decided to run with me tonight.

And, at the end of the day I find myself counting my blessings. I don’t have the picture perfect family with my kids getting uber grades or winning amazing awards in sports or music. They struggle with grades, school, social crap that I think we all struggle with in life. BUT…we struggle like champs…we don’t pretend to be something we’re not…we take the good with the bad, and we continue to hang on to each other which I believe has made us stronger.
BUT…we keep movin’ forward, and that is what counts, right?

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.

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