Movin' it with Michelle

food, goals, moving forward, running, strength

Two things, Tuesday…Gluten Free goodness and more!

April 9, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Something…is different. But we will get to that a bit later.

Topic number one is….DINNER!
As I spoke about in my last post, I am working making quick yet healthy meals during the week since my work hours no longer allow 2 hours of prep time and cooking in the kitchen.
Although I am not gluten intolerant (at least by what I know medically) I do know that avoiding it has helped my IBS tremendously. I try to buy all gluten free pasta, quinoa, rice, sauces and dressings when I can find-them which is more times than not as the selection has truly grown 10 fold in the last few years. I picked up some gluten free soy sauce last weekend, and figured a nice stir fry was in order for dinner tonight.
What you will need:

A Wok for the stir fry
A sauté pan for the chicken
1 pot to boil your water for the noodles

Ingredients:
1 package of skinless chicken thighs, cubed into 1 inch pieces (place in a bowl)
ADD to the chicken:
2 teaspoons of Chinese all spice seasoning, pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons of gluten free soy sauce
4 cloves of garlic, minced
Mix well, and set aside to marinate

Veggies:
What is in your fridge? The selections are limitless!
I used:
2 cups of shitake mushrooms, sliced
6 radishes, julienned
1 baby Bok Choy, sliced at an angle
1/2 of a red onion, chopped
2 cups of fresh broccoli
2 scallions, chopped, and set aside for garnish

Pasta:
One package of Gluten free rice Pad Thai noodles

Next, fill 4-5 cups of water in your pot to boil for your rice Pad Thai pasta…
Then, quickly sauté your chicken in a skillet until cooked through, and set aside, should take about 10 minutes.

Your water should be boiling now, but before your drop in your pasta, heat some light oil (avocado or Grape seed) in your Wok on high heat.
Drop your pasta in salted boiling water (cook for about 8 minutes or until al dente), and then stir fry all of your veggies in your Wok. Season the veggies with salt and pepper, and a dash of the gluten free soy sauce. The last 2 minutes add your chicken to heat through
Drain your pasta, and serve the delicious stir fry mixture over the top! Garnish with the reserved scallions, and serve! Quick, and easy and on the table in about 30 minutes.

Topic number 2…are you ready?
I have been retired from the Air Force for almost 3 years now. In those 3 years I have felt lost, tired, and have lacked more motivation then I care to admit. Frankly, it was tough to hang up my uniform, and put on a different ‘hat.’
It’s early to judge…but so far, I am really liking my new hat. I am letting go of things I can’t control, and embracing the future.
It is a pretty cool feeling…

Sweet dreams, Movers…

❤ Michelle

dedication, food, goals

Monday Motivation and things…

April 8, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

After getting on the dreaded scale this past weekend, I decided it was time to, well, quit being lazy. I have kept a pretty clean eating plan, but whoever said it’s 80 percent what you eat, and 20 percent workouts, well, LIED to my 41 year old body. I don’t drink soda, don’t eat fast food more that 2 or 3 times per YEAR, and cook extremely healthy meals.
Yet here I sit…with 7-8 lbs of unneeded weight that simply hurts my knees. I am a smallish type person, so gaining 5-10 lbs for me, is HUGE. Don’t judge…
Our Chiberia winter killed me, and nearly all of my motivation to work out. I ran occasionally, worked out a few times per week, but nothing very serious. Getting ready this last weekend to go out with my girlfriends, I realized, ack…my pants don’t fit. My muffin top has it’s own zip code. And I nearly, cried. Ok…maybe a tear or two was shed…but I moved on.
I need to work out, doing a run/cardio work out every other day, mixed with 2-3 strength work outs, and 2-3 days of P90X yoga. I need. To shed. This winter weight.
So today, my first full Monday of work, I picked up my youngest from her first day of after school care, and rushed home to run. Just 2 miles, but miles I needed.

For dinner, I prepared fish, brown rice with scallions and garlic, and steamed green beans.

I used Swai fish, but any white fish will do…
Pat dry your fillets, and season with kosher salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning and a sprinkle of “fish fry” which is essentially well ground, seasoned bread crumbs. Spray a non-stick pan with olive oil, and sear on each side at medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
For the brown rice, I took the help from the quick cooking rice, and melted one pat of unslated butter with a clove of garlic and added the rice. Finish off with a couple tablespoons of chopped scallions, salt, pepper, and serve!
I often steam my veggies in the microwave when time is an issue, so I steamed my green beans via microwave for a couple minutes and YUM! Season lightly with salt and pepper.

We can always start over, be stronger, and keep Movin’ forward…but we have to CHOOSE to do so…what is your choice?

dedication, goals, moving forward, running

Today…

April 6, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Today I found myself waking up with very little sleep and my long run of 7 miles looming in the horizon…
Today I wanted to go back to bed after snoozing my alarm twice, but a reminder that I set for myself on facebook made me get up and run my farthest run this year, of 7.26 miles. I was blessed to run with my friend, Melissa K, as well as enjoy hugs, conversation, and a great cup of green tea with amazing friends.

Yup...pretty proud of those miles... — Yup…pretty proud of those miles…

Today I could have tackled house work, but instead I rounded up my mini’s while my husband was at reserve duty and spent the day going out to brunch and shopping for spring clothes and birthday gifts.
Today I allowed myself a one hour nap that although didn’t result in sleep, provided some much needed rest.
Today I fought with my wardrobe, truly realizing I have gained far too many pounds during this tough winter.
Today I looked away from the mirror, and found myself sad…I immediately smacked myself virtually upside the head as I know inner beauty beats out outer physique.
Tonight, I surrounded myself with a group of local friends that have moved past the often named “running friends” to “darn good friends” and celebrated the birthday of my sole sister Melissa while sharing laughs, good food, and even better conversation.

If I could quantify the value of the hugs, laughter, smiles, and love I felt today between my family and friends, I could tell you easily that I a millionaire ten fold, and twice again on Sunday…
I have hard times, bad times, times I wanted to give up…
But today…tonight…these amazing people reminded me why I keep movin’ forward. I don’t have to force anything…I simply have to remember that I have all of this awesome support because I do my best to give it back in return.
Today, I decided that if I want to move forward, I have to leave the negative behind me, and hang on to all the amazing people I have supporting me, because I have some pretty amazing people in my life…TODAY.

Keep Movin’ forward…

❤ Michelle

dedication, goals

Friday wrap up…oh what a feeling…

April 5, 2014April 5, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

As a runner, I feel I have to caveat this post with the fact that I did NOT run at all in the last 5 days. I don’t love admitting this, but have allowed myself a cheat week with my new job starting this week.
What? New job? Yup…I started my new job on Monday with a day and a half of orientation, and with the news we are in our inspection window-NOW. Yikes…So I have spent the better part of three days tackling our College of American Pathologist checklist with a vengeance. I don’t enjoy not being prepared, and knowing it takes a good six months to prepare for these type of inspections left me with more anxiety then I was ready for. Several Tums later, along with a joyful glass of wine or two after work and I decided to “be ready.”
Imagine walking in to work to hear there was nearly a fire the night before, and a processor malfunction…ACK. But I remained calm, talked to the docs, and was even blessed to hear I handled myself well along with reassuring some pretty upset Pathologists. As stressful as it all may seem, I feel I ‘may’ have found my place for the next few years. I’ve got a great Director, a great staff, and a great support system in the other supervisors. All in a matter of 3.5 days…
I know I will have tough days, that is par for the course. But I took a leap of faith with this job despite thinking I needed to branch out, and have been welcomed “mostly” with open arms. Ultimately I have learned from my past mistakes, and am, WHAT? Movin’ forward.
So as I sit here with my heating pad on my shoulders, and my glass of wine sitting near by, I am glad…I am glad I didn’t give up and take a job I didn’t want, and I am glad I decided to believe in myself even when so many others, well, didn’t.
This weekend, I will run. I will spend time with my family, and I will celebrate the fact that I didn’t settle.
I was blessed to read Xaarlin’s post here http://www.xaarlin.com/2014/03/knoxville-marathon-week-9-one-week-to-go.html?showComment=1395619808892 and was reminded that support not only needs to be given, but received. My heart is full. I used to spend far too much time wishing for people to believe in, and support me…yet stepping back I realize I have a flight of cheerleaders that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Lastly, I leave you with this…(sorry no pics this time around)
Be true…
Be honest…
Be real…
Be happy…
Be…

And always, keep, Movin’, forward…

Uncategorized

2014 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K race recap

March 31, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Let’s start with the expo…I rarely get to make it downtown for race expos due to work etc. but with Friday being my last day off, I jumped at the chance to take the train downtown with everyone to check out the expo and pick up our race packets.

Positives-The expo had a lot of great booths, with neat little free stuff that they were giving away. I was blessed with a 10 minute chair massage that was GLORIOUS.

We only had a finite amount of time, so we snapped as many pictures as possible, and had a blast on the trolley ride back to the train.

Carolyn and I...this girl has a piece of my heart. — Carolyn and I…this girl has a piece of my heart.

Negatives-the trolley was extremely late, and we ended up taking a cab to the expo due to lack of time. Sadly we found out it showed up about 5 minutes after we left in our cab, but it all worked out!

Race day…
I haven’t “raced” in months…after a torn Achilles last fall I have taken my running very easy in order to let myself heal properly. I have been running, a little, but not where I was last year by far. This morning I woke up at 3 a.m. and wasn’t able to fall back asleep…ack! Really? But thankfully I had *all my gear set out and ready to go, as we were meeting at Carolyn’s house at 6:20 a.m. to head downtown. I nearly left my subdivision, and had my hand on my right leg…I forgot my knee brace! I quickly turned around, grabbed it and hit the road running.
I was super duper thankful for my Nuun with caffeine this morning as it seemed to give me that jump start I needed. As I don’t drink coffee, I take all the help I can get from other caffeinated products like tea/sugar free 5 hour energy.
We made it downtown in record time and had some pre-race fuel. It was time to head to our corrals….Melissa B left before us as she was in a speedier corral, so the remaining girls hit up the gear check, porta potties, and gave each other hugs and high fives to kick this race’s butt…

One of my only complaints, is the congestion trying to get into your corral. I allowed myself PLENTY of time, yet after stepping in a mud puddle trying to rush around people I realized I had TWO minutes to get into my corral before it closed. Talk about panic mode!!!

But I made it, and had a few minutes to calm down, breathe, and reflect on everything…slowly, we inched up, and I could see the start…

The first mile (as always) was a bit of a cluster, as most city races are…but I was able to dodge and weave like a mad woman, and found myself getting into my groove by the second mile. My Garmin lost signal while under the tunnel, but regained signal coming out so that helped keep me calm. I settled in by the 2 mile mark, and found myself flying past people at a consistent pace of around 8:48…I slowed during the water stops, allowing myself a few sips, but was excited to push myself as hard as possible. My Garmin time of course doesn’t match official chip time, but knowing I ran the outer curves gives me confidence that my Garmin was pretty close on point. I’ve always been very good at pacing myself, not going out too fast, and being able to keep consistent in a comfortable pace. The spectators were great, the volunteers amazing, and the majority of the racers were considerate of each other. One of my only course complaints was that racers who decided to walk stayed on the left, or in the middle vs. moving to the right which is the considerate thing to do…as a pretty good “bobber and weaver” I was able to get around those that decided to walk.
I finished strong, and had a couple pretty amazing Chicago Marathon 2012 flashbacks. Each corner, each stretch of street reminded me of my first marathon that I ran with my sister, and I found my eyes getting a little teary and my chest a little tight. The city of Chicago has truly captured my heart in so many ways.

I've got some pretty cool friends...yup — I’ve got some pretty cool friends…yup

We finished the day, having lunch and doing some site seeing in Chicago before we had to head home. What. A. Great. Day.

yes, my obligatory Bloody Mary that I treat myself to after every race.

Thanks to all who help me keep this blog alive. I truly love helping people, keep, movin’…forward.

❤
Michelle

dedication, goals, moving forward, running

New Chapters…

March 28, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

This will more than likely be a pictureless post, unless something tickles my fancy while I write.

My week in a nutshell…
Monday-ran 2 miles in my neighborhood just to stretch my legs. Kept my pace under 10 minutes (9:37 min/mile) despite tummy issues, so I was pleased.

Tuesday-cross training with 220 sit-ups, 90 push-ups, 3 sets bicep curls, 3 sets of tricep extensions.

Wednesday-ran 2.75 miles on the dreadmill as it was only 12 degrees outside, and I am officially over layering x3 to go outside to run. (9:32 min/mile)
Also knocked out my pushups (90) and sit ups (100).
After which I traveled about 45 minutes to my favorite consignment shop to by some new (used) clothes for work. Less than 100 dollars for 2 pairs of dress pants, and 9 shirts, and I left feeling very proud of myself for my frugalness…is that I word?

Thursday-(today) was my rest day. And as I finish up my second week of glorious time off in between jobs, I treated myself with TWO dates with my girlfriends. I met my friend Andrea for lunch at a place we run past – ALL the time, yet have never visited called Pal Joey’s. We had a great couple of hours of conversation, and funny enough realized it was the first time in 2 years we’ve hung outside of running together. In attempt to enjoy every last minute of my free time, I met up with Carolyn at our favorite local eatery in St. Charles called “The Office” for a light dinner and great catching up time. Less than 25 dollars spent for 2 meals, filled with priceless conversation and memories was money well spent.

Tomorrow, I am heading downtown with my friends for our packet pick up for the Shamrock Shuffle 8K in Chicago. I rarely get to make it to city race packet pick ups, so this should be a blast. I’ll be up early in the morning to get ready, and meet my friends to take the train downtown. This will be only my second time taking the actual train, so I am super excited. We’ve figured out the logistics so that those of us with kids can make it home in time to pick up our munchkins. Let’s hope the weather cooperates and we are able to have a nice morning downtown! Although I plan on “racing” this race, I know by no means am I truly ready to RACE nearly 5 miles…between the winter, and my injury last fall I have found myself slow going coming back to being a ‘runner.’ Thankfully, I have never quit…and as always, I keep movin’ forward.

Despite set backs and road blocks, I truly believe in never giving up. If you are true to those you love, they in turn will be true to you….In happy times, sad times, ugly times, and downright terrible times…give support, and you will find it come back to you ten fold.
I am nervous, scared, and excited to embark on my new job, but I know I have so many wonderful people backing me up. ❤ I am an Overcomer…(Mandisa)

❤ Michelle

dedication, food, goals

Two or more things, Tuesday…

March 26, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I have realized a lot this past week and a half. First, I LOVE being home, keeping things clean, organized, and running whenever I want to! LOL! But I know I need to work!

Today was a rest day for running so I knocked out my 90 pushups, and decided I deserved to get my hair done! I haven’t had my hair professionally highlighted in nearly a year and a half, but was proud to say the stylist said I did a great job. Of course I didn’t splurge on a salon due to being frugal, but I was pleased with Cost Cutters today.

not professional styled, and no foof...but under 50 bucks, and I was sold. — not professional styled, and no foof…but under 50 bucks, and I was sold.

I was supposed to go consignment shopping today, yet the snow and icy road kept me close to home. I did however attain a new pair of khakis and 2 long sleeve shirts (is spring EVER coming?) from Ross. And yes, I eye-balled the workout gear like a crazy women, yet I refrained.

Tonight’s dinner was a simple baked parmesan served with garlic and mushroom red sauce over rice pasta. Our side dish was sautéed broccoli and cauliflower with garlic. YUM.

Quick, and easy…

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
Butterfly two chicken breasts, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside

Next, mix 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of low fat olive oil mayo, and Italian seasoning together.

In a separate dish, pour in about a half cup of panko bread crumbs.

Slather your chicken with the parm/mayo mixture and coat in the panko bread crumbs.
Bake at 425 until done, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

I keep my sauce simply. We have the BEST local market that makes amazing marinara sauce, so I sauté garlic, onions, and mushrooms to add to the sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes, and you are GOLDEN.

Cook your rice pasta according to package directions, making sure you salt your boiling water, and serve with your favorite veggie!

I finished the night cleaning out my closet. I try to do this at least twice a year….great success, and I even located my Mickey Mouse socks… 🙂

Yes, nearly half of this is running/workout clothes...lol — Yes, nearly half of this is running/workout clothes…lol

So my 2 things this Tuesday are…

1. Be who you are, and be true…
2. If you aren’t able to love your career, love your life all that much more.

DO what you LOVE. Even if it’s outside of work. For me it’s family, fitness, friends, and so many things I have a passion for-like cooking, organizing, writing…

Yup…

❤ Michelle

dedication, food, goals, running

A week of reflection and a recipe!

March 23, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I spent last week at home since I am in between jobs…I was able to get my kids to the bus, come home, and….DO WHATEVER I WANTED!!! Wow, I can see why stay at home Mom’s choose this profession, because although of course it is HARD work to keep up with the kids and maintain a household, you have a glorious freedom while you are kids are at school. As someone who has worked my entire adult life, I have always had to juggle career along WITH the kids and house…so this mini-break has truly renewed me. I kept up with the house work, cooking, kids, and even was able to run 3 times last week. YES!!!
My longest run of the week was on Friday, where we here in the Chicago land area were BLESSED with true spring temps of high 50’s…I couldn’t pass up squeezing in my longish run of 6.2 miles for the week. It was a tough run, but I pushed myself hard and didn’t quit…

Capri's for the first time this year!! — Capri’s for the first time this year!!

One of my quickest 10K's.... — One of my quickest 10K’s….

The rest of our weekend was quite busy, trying to squeeze in overdue dental appointments, getting things organized around the house, and honestly just spending time together as a family unit. I’ve truly been blessed through difficult times to have a family that has been close knit.

So tonight I decided to cook my husband’s favorite for dinner, pork crown roast…
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and pre-heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Season your roast with kosher salt, pepper, hickory salt, and season salt. Add a few tablespoons of grape seed oil to your skillet, and sear the roast on all sides. Transfer to a baking sheet that has been lined with aluminum foil, and bake at 350 degrees until the core temp reaches 150 degrees. Let rest for 15 minutes once done, covering with foil, until core temp reaches 160 degrees.
While your roast is cooking, it’s time to prepare your reduction. In a wide sauce pan, add in 2 cups of veggie stock with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Combine well with a whisk, and set your heat to medium high. Bring to a slow boil, add salt, pepper, half of an onion diced, 2 cloves of garlic, smashed, and a pinch of cayenne pepper and lemon grass. Add in 2 cups of red wine and a cup of black berries – let simmer, reducing by half – about 30 minutes. Strain the mixture, reserving all the liquid and discarding the onions, garlic, berries…add in one more cup of red wine, and let simmer another 30 minutes, stirring often. To finish, add in one pat of butter, and whisk thoroughly.

Red wine-blackberry reduction simmering!

I served our roast with sautéed asparagus and mushrooms and along with roasted garlic quinoa!

Yup...think dinner was a hit...LOL — Yup…think dinner was a hit…LOL

Hope you are all having a great weekend.

Question-how many days per week do you run? (Me, typically 3-4 max to save my knees)

Question-what are your favorite side dishes?

❤ Michelle

dedication, food, goals, moving forward, running

Hey guess what? Two things Tuesday…

March 19, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I woke up Monday morning literally feeling SICK. I realize I have the worst patience ON. THE. PLANET. And the waiting was killing me. My stomach hurt, my head hurt, but I KNEW I needed to get out of the house and run. Just a mile. Just ONE mile. It had been a week since I’d last ran, and the need outweighed the want ten fold.
So after taking my daughter to school, I allowed myself a teeny nap to try and recharge. It was too cold for me at 9 am (13 degrees, WHA?) so I tried to rest with no luck…
So I got up, had lunch, and texted a friend I knew would prompt me to get outside. Just as I was putting on my headband my phone rang….Yup, you guessed it…I GOT THE JOB!!!! It wasn’t a picture perfect offer, but an offer it was and I snatched it up quickly. As of 31 March I will again be gainfully employed.
I grabbed my Ipod, and headed out the door to get my mile in. I felt giddy and decided I was not going to stress over $$ and just be thankful I had a job lined up. I ran 1.4 miles. Far? No…but I wasn’t just running my neighborhood, I was running OFF the negative crap I allowed myself to get sucked in to. I decided to run as fast as I could (without passing out of course). I ran a 8:54 mile, and the second .4 at 8:38. I left it all out there.

Today, I got up and got my youngest ready for school, did pre-employment paperwork, and headed out for my planned 5 miler at around noon. It was cut short due to stepping in a 6 inch deep puddle filled with freezing water, but I managed just over 4.4 miles regardless. It was a tough run, and I realize the time off I took this winter due to injury/personal issues/polar vortex weather has set me back some. But I kept moving, and allowed myself rest bits to take pics.

One of my favorite bridges on the Fox River trails

I was able to keep my miles under a 10 minute pace, but it was NOT easy. My legs were heavy, my breathing off, and guess what? I had a freakin’ blast out there all my lonesome finding cheer leaders along the way between wild life and fellow runners.

Tonight I cooked a simple dinner of curry mango chicken served over pad Thai noodles with a veggie stir fry. I took the help from the store as I am trying to find easier week night meals. I marinated/sautéed my chicken in this yummy sauce purchased at Target:

While the chicken marinated, I chopped veggies…use whatever you like! I used shitake mushrooms, half of a red onion, 2 cups of snow peas, 2 large carrots, and 2 cloves of garlic. Set this aside in a bowl…

20 minutes before you are ready to eat, sauté the chicken in a non stick pan with the marinate. Warm 6 cups of water in a pot, but don’t boil. Just have it ‘hot’ which will precook your pad thai noodles. 10 minutes out, drop in your noodles, and stir fry your veggies in grapeseed oil…add salt, pepper, and low sodium soy sauce. For the last 2 minutes, add in your drained noodles, toss and serve. This meal was easy, and quite the hit.

My two things, Tuesday, are this:

Faith…always keep the faith. Even in the darkest hour, and when things don’t always turn out how you may have planned. The man upstairs has bigger plans for us, and we need to take the opportunities he bestows upon us.

Passion…keep your passions in life, even when others may not understand why you do what you do. Even when you may not have time, make the time to do what you love, and do it daily. It will only give you added strength and drive to keep moving forward. For me, my passions are inspiring others, cooking, running, and of course my family and friends.

Keep Movin’ forward gang…allow yourself bad days, but know always tomorrow is a new day to start anew. My heartfelt thanks for all of you amazing support.

goals, moving forward

Second interview…what???

March 16, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I have done a lot of soul searching these last few months. And it hit me like a ton of bricks just yesterday that the only person holding me back…well…is ME.

I am a retired Air Force MSgt. I am a Mom. I am an Army wife. I am a friend. I am a marathoner. I do all of these said things, with PRIDE.

Yet I have let others dictate my path the last few years, while I struggled to find my way after retiring.
I looked for support from people I expected it from, more so because I’ve always given THEM my support.

So this past Tuesday I got called back for a second interview with my prospective new employer. I think it went well, and even heard back from my tentative new boss on Wednesday and was excited to hear him say, “You will hear soon from HR.”

Yet here it is, Sunday afternoon, with no word or call back and I find myself in an odd place not having a job to go to tomorrow. I will get up early still and get my kids off to school…and then what? I’ve never been unemployed….even the couple months after retiring from the Air Force I still brought in a pay check as I saved almost 3 months of leave to give me time to find a job. I’ve always planned ahead for nearly everything in life…so living in the unknown has been tough for me.

I haven’t ran in ONE week, and I am going nuts. But my poor stomach and lack of sleep have left me with little to no energy. So I am charging myself with going for a run after my kids both get on the bus tomorrow…rain…or shine…cold….or wind. I need some miles. I need to regroup, restart, and relax in the faith I have in the man upstairs and all the work I’ve done. My fingers are crossed that things turn out as they should…

With that, I’ll keep movin’ forward.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: