Uncategorized

5-5-13 – Great Western Trail Race recap

Movin' it with Michelle

This recap will be different from my last few…for this recap isn’t about PR’s, kicking butt, or finding my speed at the end.  Nope…the race unfolded quite differently in fact. 

It starts with the fact that the last two weeks I have BARELY been able to run.  I made myself get a couple miles in here and there, but after running in a pair of ‘test’ Newtons two weeks ago-my knee went downhill fast.  It constantly gave me aches and pains that made me nervous in all honestly.  I was worried last night that I may not even finish today’s race…
 

Sometimes we lose ourselves in life, and getting your head in the game can be a treacherous battle we don’t have the energy to fight.  I put my energy into laying my race outfit out last night, making sure my Garmin was charged, and my fuel belt packed. 

Janel showed up at 7:15 promptly, and my husband dropped us off at the start due to absolutely NO parking and us not wanting to take the shuttle.  We walked the almost ½ mile to the start, said a quick hello to friends and got in line for the porta potties for one last pit stop.  While in line, we chatted with fellow runners and I was quickly reminded of reason #538 why I love this community.  You are instant friends, comrades decked out in various colors, and you are there for one simple reason ultimately.  WE ALL ARE IN LOVE WITH THE RUN. 
 

The start went off quickly, and we found ourselves in the second wave.  We ran at a steady pace, but both agreed a PR probably wasn’t in the cards.  So we agreed to enjoy this run and if one of us wanted to take off we’d wait until after the ten mile mark. 
 

Off we went, laughing, talking, and finding our solace in the run.  Our first real hill came up, and it was such a beautiful bridge I stopped to take a picture…yup, sure did.  This race was a mental release for me, but NOT a true “race.”  The path seemed to hug us in, with the newly budded trees giving us just enough shade.  I felt like I was running on marshmallows as we steadily ran on the crushed limestone path, and can see why some prefer this type of terrain.   
 

We were feeling pretty darn good the first half, although we did stop to fuel at the 5 mile mark.  Funny, in my splits you can see the two times I slowed were taking pics and fueling for those were my only 10 min miles. 

We got to see Rob as he was FLYING by, and got a quick hand slap in.  He rocked his race with a 1:40 PR.  SO beyond proud of him…he’s always been a true inspiration and supporter, and I couldn’t be happier for him. 

Lesson number 1.

At the halfway mark I really started to swell.  I had gotten spoiled with winter running (wait, did I just say spoiled in regards to freezing my butt off? LOL) and didn’t pack my salt tabs in my fuel belt.  Fail.  I had true SNAUSAGES for fingers when we finished, and it was actually quite painful. 

But we settled in regardless, and noticed the trees seemed to have bloomed even more since the start of the race.  WHAT A GORGEOUS TRAIL…I was in sheer bliss being on the trails with such an awesome friend. 
I promise, I was running, although wth is this?  LOL
 

We decided we’d go for a PR for Janel…we were on point with pace, and just needed to step it up a touch.  We were steady at the 9:30-9:40 mile pace, so we dropped it down to 9:15.

Lesson number 2.

DO NOT pick it up at the 8.75 mile mark if you want to have enough gas to finish out those last 4 miles strong.  I held pace for a couple miles, and realized quick there was NO way I could hold it.  I gave her the blessing to take off around mile 10-11, and even got a quick picture in of the trail. 
A little piece of heaven, just 3 miles from my house
 

She took off, but was only about a quarter mile ahead of me, which helped my spirits seeing her running so strong.  I lost myself the last couple miles, and found it literally gut wrenching to hold a strong pace.  I nearly lost my breakfast twice, but I wanted to at least give it my all. Swallowed it back down (sorry gang, being real here) and kept running.  It was getting hot, and I could feel myself fading…But I refused to fade, and kicked it up the best I could. 

And I did…I came around the last bend and killed it…passing people left and right and running with ALL I had.  Finish time was unofficially 2:09, and I am pleased.  But this was one of my toughest finishes to date, and I found myself falling into Janel’s embrace after getting my medal and water bottle.  We kicked butt today, neither of us getting a PR, but BOTH of us falling in love again with the run.  I always get choked up when I finish a race, and I could feel her hug me just a little bit tighter as she felt me hold back a sob.  Man I love this girl. 
Awesome medal, another GREAT point to this race!

My neighbor Katie, me, and Janel after finishing

Me and Janel, with ROCKSTAR Rob!
 

Race High points:

GREAT community support.  WOW…I can’t say enough what it means to have people cheering you on…it seemed nearly every few miles there were spectators with cowbells, signs, and claps…

Sufficient water stops.  This is SO vital especially as the weather starts to get warmer.  I could have used one more those last few miles, but that was just me being a wimp. 

Awesome that they had a local chiropractic clinic set up to stretch us out afterwards.  It helped tremendously. 

GREAT volunteers.  What more can I say…those people ROCKED this race.

Lastly…I fell back in love with running, and found peace on the trails amongst 1000 other runners…I learned more about myself today even at the age of 40 than I could ever hope for in life.  I learned-do what you love, and do it well.  Remember always, to make yourself happy first, and the rest will follow.  I learned that loving your passions is so much more important that just finding things to fill your time. 

I re-found my smile today…although it wasn’t completely lost, it was admittedly hidden behind some unneeded stress.  But it’s all good, and I feel like a kid in a candy store…PR, nope.  Successful race?  HECK YEAH!!!
Yup…this says it all. 
 
Uncategorized

Weekend wrap up, and thoughts.

Movin' it with Michelle

I used to dread more moments than I appreciated.  I used to come home from work, needing to close my eyes and forget life.  Yet now I have a new journey and a newfound love for life.  This week, admittedly, I dreaded running just a bit-because my knee has been bothering me more than I care to admit.  I logged 13 miles this week, so although not uber, it’s not shabby either. 

So instead of wishing for more, I made the most of my weekend.  I worked yesterday until about 1 pm, and then came home and helped with yard work during the afternoon.  It was such a blessing to see my youngest pitch in and help.  My oldest daughter went to her friend’s house for a sleepover, so we decided to take our youngest out to eat. 

We took the top down on the Jeep, and sang at the top of our lungs…we ate sushi (our favorite) and we just WERE.  We didn’t wish for breaks, vacations, or anything…we just appreciated the time we had together.  We spent the weekend just ‘being’ us, and it was awesome.  Words with friends, fires, and friends…Tony Bennett sang in the background ALL weekend, and my house truly was a home this weekend. 

I am truly blessed to be married to my best friend.  We drive each other nuts, and we love each other all that much more.  He seems to know just when I need someone and takes that extra effort to spend time with me. 

I started to get jealous after reading Facebook and all my friends who seem to have running partners or groups they regularly run with each week…I started…and then I stopped.  I run for ME, and it’s MY thing…I don’t need a partner to keep me going, although the motivation would have been welcomed this weekend.  I overslept for church AND my run this morning, yeah…uber fail.  Those blankets and pillows just seemed to suck me in today…lol.  I made myself stretch my legs on the dreadmill tonight, although for only a mile and half.  I will get my miles in on the trails tomorrow morning. 

This coming week we start our P90X journey, and tonight I prepped our meals for tomorrow.  This could be said to be a chore, but making healthy choices for my family is what means the most to me…I need to drop these last 10 lbs that have been hanging on for dear life since my marathon training last year. 

Lastly…I have learned patience this week.  Many will test us, some will try to rain on our parade, and several will only find the negatives in life.

I can no longer be bothered with the above said people.  I will continue to smile, continue to strive for more, and always keep moving forward.  After a while, you realize you can’t get blood from a turnip, and that you just have to stop trying. 

My own garden will be planted, and the weeds will be picked…you can either choose to be a flower, or a weed…what is your choice?  I choose to be a flower. 

Uncategorized

Five things, Friday…

Movin' it with Michelle

Five things, Friday?

 

1.     I got confirmation that I will start my new job on Wednesday, May 1st.  I would be lying if I said I will miss my tiny week of respite…but it was glorious and short lived all at once.  Most of my friends are stay at home Moms and I have to fight off the jealousy fairy daily.  It’s been so wonderful picking my kids up early, cooking dinner, and having a clean home. 

2.    I was able to have lunch with my sister today.  What a blessing after being apart for over 20 years to just meet up for lunch.  We chatted over yummy salad and soup, and even indulged on ice-cream.  Yeah…I paid for it later.  LOL.  But talking with her, made me realize no one truly knows your struggles.  They see you in a duel income family and think you must be rolling in the loot…sadly far from it, because we all have our own struggles and bills.  I can only hope ONE day to catch up. 

3.    I picked up my youngest from daycare nearly as soon as she was dropped off…I wanted to take her to see the owl I have been watching all week and be able to share this lovely piece of nature with her.  She loved it, and it made my heart sing to see her so happy because I was able to pick her up early.  I’ve sadly missed out on so much of my kids’ lives working so many hours…
 

4.    My husband is a gamer.  Yup…full-fledged nerd status and most evenings he is playing his “tank blow em up game” and I am left to my computer screen.  Tonight he spent the evening with me listening to music and playing words with friends.  Just what I needed…

5.    I teach tomorrow at my second job, and I admittedly always get nervous before a class.  But what I have learned in this teaching gig, is that I have learned so much FROM my students…and it fills my heart with joy. 

Last thought is this…We are given ONE life.  One chance…One GO to make this life count.  I have decided at the age of 40 that I am not going to quit.  Not going to give up.  And not going to let all the outlying factors in life get to me.  There are people out there that can make a negative out of a positive situation more times than not.  I will NOT be one of those people.  More so, I will NOT allow those people the ability to steal my joy.  Ultimately I give the glory to God, and HIS ability to keep me moving forward. 
Uncategorized

4-22; A tribute to Boston!

Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t been able to run very much this past week.  My mind wasn’t in the game, nor were my legs.  The 8 miles I logged last week were painful, and more so took their toll on my heart.  I began to wonder if I had lost my love for the run to fear. 

And I hated it.

Who was I becoming?  Where did that feisty fire starter go?  She’s in there somewhere, dammit. 

Today, was my first day HOME as I am in between jobs.  I haven’t ‘not’ set my alarm for a Monday morning since I retired from the Air Force 2 years ago.  And I honestly didn’t know how to digest this first day of unemployment.  My new job starts in a couple weeks, sure…but today, I was without a job. 

So I slept in…I gave myself that gift, for between working two jobs, kids, church, and training, sleeping in is a luxury I rarely get.  Keep in mind, I used to sleep in EVERY weekend, more so just to shut my eyes off to the world.  I didn’t want to ‘be’…I wanted to sleep, to forget, to NOT think.  Yet the day came that I started to hate myself.  Hate the fact that I ignored where I needed to be and instead slept away my life. 

It’s time…time to find myself, and to love ME again. 

I charged up my camera, took a nice hot shower ALL by myself without kids needing me, and I set out for a day on the river.  Just me, some snacks, and my camera. 

And wow…what did I find. 

This beautiful baby owl…
 

These flowers…
 

And so much more. 
bath time
My favorite trail, thankfully above water at this point
 

Why on earth did I want to close my eyes, to THIS?

My day ended to a beautiful run to tribute the Boston Marathon.  I was in the presence of Boston Marathoners, and I felt like a little kid on Hollywood boulevard.   These runners are MY hero’s…
Boston Marathoners!
 

I ran a simple 2.62 miles…and I did it without music or distraction.  I got to meet Karen from “Trading in my Heels” and she is such a light that I couldn’t help but to smile. 
 

I found a part of ME again today, through this tragedy, and through some pretty amazing people. 
 
Uncategorized

The day after…6 miles for Boston

Movin' it with Michelle

The day after…

Today was hard.  I haven’t slept well in 3 days, yet I knew I couldn’t pass up on the chance to run with friends tonight. 

So I didn’t pass it up…I woke up at 5 am.  I wore my running gear all mismatched to work. 

And I didn’t care what a single person said about me, my outfit, or my funk. 

I got home after 5, and was greeted by my husband who took over like a champ getting the kids dinner and homework done so I could go on my group run.  He knew I needed this, and despite a normal 10-12 hour day I changed into my running gear and met my awesome friends at my local running store for our group run.

My heart was heavy, and my legs turned out to be even heavier. 

But the night started out by coloring in children’s coloring books and singing old songs with friends.  How could I not smile?   Gotta love Dirty Dancing and reliving the memories, LOL.

I was fortunate enough to be “loaned” a pair of Newton’s to try out.  I can honestly say I didn’t care for them.  Go GO Brooks.   Felt honored to wear these “Mercedes” of running shoes that I could never afford.  LOL. 

We pinned on our Boston bibs, and set out for a six miler.  I was blessed to hear JJ’s story of his Boston race (his third I believe), and felt so fortunate to have him running with us.  He is a true inspiration. 

We ran, chatted, and moved along the trails with more effort than I care to admit.  I felt sluggish, tired, and guilty for these said feelings.  The hills (both up and down) hurt…but I ran in honor of those who suffered yesterday. 

I won’t post pics.  I will leave this post naked in the fact that the feelings felt are real, and although not everyone can understand, these said feelings leave a hole in my heart.  I am without words for those who try to steal joy from other’s lives…more so in this capacity.  Is nothing sacred anymore?

I hugged my friend Janel before I left the group run tonight.  She and I have bonded over the last few months, and we both hung on to each other a little tighter tonight.  We knew what the other was feeling, and we allowed ourselves that moment…that moment to feel the pain of lives lost, injured, and traumatized from yesterday’s tragedy.  I didn’t stop at that, and made sure to hug my Erin as well.  These two women have truly been there for me and I will count my blessings tonight. 

Hang on a little tighter tonight to those who have touched your lives.  Life.  Is.  Too.  Short.

Keep.  Movin’. Forward.   
Uncategorized

A runner should never have to race in fear.

Movin' it with Michelle

A runner’s race

Every race I have ever run began with fear.  Fear I wouldn’t finish.  Fear I would get injured.  Even fear that I wouldn’t achieve my goals. 

But I’ve never feared for my life.  I have never wondered if I’d come out alive, literally.  Never.  Until today. 

Hearing the tragic news of the Boston Marathon first made my heart break, and subsequently soon thereafter made my blood boil.   

I just watched the movie “O dark 30” with my husband this past Friday night.  It brought back terrible and horrific memories of 9/11 from when I was still serving in the Air Force.  I have vivid memories of watching people fall from the towers on the news while our Blood Donor Center team went into FULL FORCE mode of collecting blood for those who were injured.  Although I wasn’t THERE, I was very much a part of that tragedy.  I sobbed like a baby afterwards reliving that tragic time in my life.  That day affected so many people…I will never be the same, because of that day…I am a little bit stronger, and a little bit more aware. 

But nothing prepared me for this…an attack on a world renowned race.  A time to celebrate so many athletes WORLD WIDE and their success in running.

And now today, as I had many friends running this race, I was brought back to that place I had hoped to never revisit. 

Fear. 

Fear for my family, friends, and loved ones, my FELLOW RUNNERS.

These people have become more to me than just runners.  They too, are family.  And I feared for their lives. 

DAMMIT.  This is what terrorists want…

They want us to be afraid.  They instill fear in us with their torturous acts.  And our fear, is their success. 

DAMMIT. 

I am a Mom.  A Wife.  A friend.  A sister.  A daughter.  A career woman. 

And I am a runner.  I will never be fast enough to qualify for Boston, but was truly touched by all those who reached out to me to make sure I was ok.   I will continue to run.  I will continue to race.  And I will run tomorrow in honor of those lost, those who suffered, and those who run this race of life along with me. 

My heart goes out to those affected, but I have to keep hope in mankind.  We have to help one another, and focus on what is important. 

Damn you terrorists.  Damn you.  But I will pray for you as well, for your hearts must be so broken that you have to attack others.  May God have mercy on you…for right now need more mercy than humanly possible.  You may have sickened me…but I will pray for you regardless. 

And I will KEEP.  ON.  RUNNING.  I will wear this bib proudly tomorrow.  For those who have lost, and those that are able to keep running. 

Uncategorized

Dewey Dash 5K race recap

Movin' it with Michelle

Last night I got a text that the Dewey Dash 5K in Elburn IL still had open registration.  I was supposed to do a 5K for my church on Saturday, so I originally didn’t sign up for it not wanting to do back to back races in 2 days.  Two half marathons in one week had literally worn me out.  My church 5K was canceled, so I figured, why not!

I hadn’t run all last week, allowing my legs to rest which although was much needed, started to wear on my soul.  Yes, running is truly my therapy and I could see myself getting more irritable by the minute.  But last week was a good week to rest as the weather was rainy and dreary every day.  Although I pride myself in the fact I ran OUTSIDE all winter, I am admittedly NOT a fan of running in the rain or wind.  Last week we had both said elements.  Yuck. 

So at around 7 p.m. last night I decided to do the Dewey Dash 5K.  It was a “themed” race where you dressed as your favorite fairy tale character.  Bah…I had no costume at such last minute.  After brainstorming, my friend Carolyn suggested raiding my youngest daughter’s closet.  WIN!  I had a Belle tiara, wand, and tutu for my costume!   

I have never run in costume, so I was a bit nervous.  I met up with my friends Jeanne and Carolyn so we could carpool to the race.  The wind was fierce, but the sun had started to peak through the clouds.  Sadly by the time the race started, the clouds were in full force, as well as the wind.  I was able to meet a fb friend that is a real life friend of my sister’s, Michelle, that has supported my “Movin’ it with Michelle” page for quite some time.  Double WIN. 
 

The first mile was literally UP hill…ack…the wind was in our faces, and I did my normal “PUSH UP THE HILL AS FAST AS POSSIBLE TO GET IT OVER WITH” mantra…Mile one clocked in at 8:51 and I was pleased.  I am odd (possibly) in the fact I can’t “race” with friends, but I prefer to run with them for training.  In a race I have to get into my zone, so normally I race alone.  It’s my time to let it all go on the course.  Thankfully most of my friends “get” this, and understand that it isn’t meant to offend, I just have to “race” alone.  I think my sister is the only person I have been able to run an entire race with…and that’s cuz well, she’s my sister.  ❤

Mile two went through neighborhoods and was fairly even keel.  Sadly the mile marker was off by .15 miles, so it screwed with my head a little bit.  Also, I don’t warm up until about the 3 mile mark, so at this point I still had numb hands and feet.  Mile two clocked in at 8:46. 

Time to kick it up a touch for the last 1.1 miles…There were a lot of turns, twists, and more hills.  I finally started to get feeling back in my left foot, and half of my right foot although my toes were still freezing by the end, LOL.  My last mile clocked in at 8:25 and I finished strong to the end. 
Michelle and I at the finish line!
 

I’ve never been a speedy runner, but I PR’d this race at 27:24.  The race was beautifully organized minus the mile markers being off, and the volunteers were incredible.  OH, and the FOOD at the end was the BOMB.  They had an entire spread for us.  AWESOME. 
AG medals for the both of us!  YAY!
 

After the race we socialized, and as we got ready to leave and were walking out to the parking lot, Michelle came running out to tell me I won an Age Group award! WHAT?????  I’ve never placed, EVER, so I was near tears with excitement.  Yes, this race was small, but I don’t care…I am darn proud of my blue ribbon for 3rd place in my AG.  Triple WIN! 

But honestly…the best part of the day was hanging with my running friends, new and old.  I had such an awesome morning with some truly awesome women.  Carolyn, Jeanne, Erin, Sue, Pat, Jennifer, Pam, Michelle, Karla, Christine, and Rob just to name a few…I apologize if I missed anyone J. 

So in the last 3 weekends, I have achieved THREE PR’s…I know this streak could be just that, a streak…and I am realistic that you never know what race day will give you.  But I am quietly hopeful that this streak will continue and I will break my sub 2 PR goal for a half marathon.  I have to shave off TWO minutes, and pray I can do it for my next half marathon in May. 
Uncategorized

Wait, this IS a running blog too…

Movin' it with Michelle

Running Blogger Survey

I got this survey from my newfound friend, Kelly from www.kellytheculinarian.com and it sounded like fun!   

Best Run Ever

I have had a few good races over the last year, since becoming more serious about my running…I’d say the Fox Valley 20 miler last year, or the Trailbreaker half marathon I did just last weekend were my best to date. 
Always need to have fun! 
I couldn’t be more blessed to have my sister’s support! 
 

 

Three Words that Describe My Running:

Freeing, therapeutic, required
Some awesome running friends who keep me sane
 

Egg Shell Shuffle with great friends
 

Trained all summer with this amazing woman!

My Go-To Running Outfit

Depends on weather for sure…summer is tank/skirt, while winter time I wear running tights and LAYERS.  Keeping my ears and hands warm are most important. 
Winter
 
My fav summer outfit
 

 

Quirky Habit While Running

2 Tablespoons of organic peanut butter dipped in chia seeds…I have this before nearly every run, and for sure before EVERY race
 

 

Morning, Mid-day, or Evening

Yes, yes, and yes…I love running in the evenings while watching the sunset, but if I have friends to run with I will get up early. 
Running at sunset, LOVE
 

 

I Won’t Run Outside When It’s:

TOO windy, or icy. 
Had to turn around, too darn icy…
 

Cold, but a great run with awesome friends!
 

Worst Injury – And How I Got Over It

My knee which is ongoing, and has been for over 20 years now…but I deal with it, take care of it, let it rest, and keep pressing forward.  I rest when needed, whether I like it or not.  I haven’t ran in a week now, but know it’s necessary. 

 

I Felt Most Like a Badass Runner When

I PR’d just last weekend.  Also, finishing the Chicago Marathon with my sis!  I’ve never won an AG medal, and am learning to be ok with not “placing.”  I run my own race.  J 
Last weekend…
 

I can’t look at this pic without chocking up.  Yup…crying.  I have the best sister ever for doing this with me! 
 

 

Potential Running Goal for 2013

Sub 2 hour ½ marathon is my current goal. 

 

 

Next Race Is

Great Western ½ marathon, right here in St. Charles on May 5th. 
 
This was a total blast…hope my running friends “link up” and post their answers!
Uncategorized

Sorry, no wordless Wednesday here

Movin' it with Michelle

Running:

None…But I did some strength training tonight.  Just some bicep curls, triceps, squats, and crunches.  Nothing major, but giving myself a much needed break while I digest this life change that is about to happen.
still on cloud nine.  yup. 
 

Recipes:

I came home from work, and found that my husband made homemade spaghetti with whole wheat pasta, and even had a bottle of red wine chilled.  YUM.
totally NOT our dinner, but spaghetti none the less LOL
 
Real Life Adventures:

I am a planner.  I have only been without work ONCE since the age of about 15…and that was when I retired in 2011 from the Air Force.  I planned for that lapse in work though, by saving money, leave time, and paying off as many bills as possible.  When I retired in May of 2011 I had almost 4 months of leave saved, so I was in essence still getting a pay check.  My family has never been blessed to survive on only one income, so I did what was needed, and took the job I currently have which is supervising a lab in an outlying hospital that is about an hour from my home. 

This job, I knew from the near beginning wasn’t a good fit for me.  I will leave it at that…But I continued to work, commute, and do my best to take care of my family.  But my family unit started to struggle mostly in part due to my unhappiness, so I started looking for something “else” almost a year ago. 

There were days, where I would pull up to the parking garage and shudder…panic…and sometimes cry.  But I pulled it together and smiled and gave it my all every single day.  Sadly my all, was never going to be enough, and that made me very unhappy. 

Do you ever notice when you are unhappy, that the people that matter most to you suffer the most?  Yup…this was me. 

So thankfully I found a new job, only SIX miles from my house, where I will be a make shift supervisor, yet more so bench tech where my hard work will be what matters.  I will be doing primarily Pathology/Histology work, and will get the opportunity to do the gross descriptions of specimens which is something I love.  What is “grossing” you ask?  From Wikipedia:

“Gross examination or “grossing” is the process by which pathology specimens are inspected with the bare eye to obtain diagnostic information, while being processed for further microscopic examination.

Gross examination of surgical specimens is typically performed by a pathologist, or by a pathologists’ assistant working within a pathology practice. Individuals trained in these fields are often able to gather diagnostically critical information in this stage of processing, including the stage and margin status of surgically removed tumors.

The initial step in any examination of a clinical specimen is confirmation of the identity of the patient and the anatomical site from which the specimen was obtained. Sufficient clinical data should be communicated by the clinical team to the pathology team in order to guide the appropriate diagnostic examination and interpretation of the specimen – if such information is not provided, it must be obtained by the examiner prior to processing the specimen.

There are usually two end products of the gross examination of a surgical specimen. The first is the gross description, a document which serves as the written record of the examiner’s findings, and is included in the final pathology report. The second product is a set of tissue blocks, typically postage stamp-sized portions of tissue sealed in plastic cassettes, which will be processed into slides for microscopic examination. Since only a minority of the tissue from a large specimen can reasonably be subject to microscopic examination, the success of the final histological diagnosis is highly dependent on the skill of the professional performing the gross examination. The gross examiner may sample portions of the specimen for other types of ancillary tests as diagnostically indicated; these include microbiological culture, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, or electron microscopy.”
A pic of a skin tumor….this is my job. 
 

Yup…this is what I do…what I used to love so much, but lost over the years of supervising and doing paperwork.  I am already studying, ordering books, and yes, SOOOO excited. 

I have another half marathon scheduled the first week of May, and pray my aching knee pulls its head out of its ass and lets me train.  I am hopeful that I just needed a few days off.  I plan on working on strength training and speed training so I can break my sub 2!!!!

Thanks all, for listening, commenting, and your unending support. 
Uncategorized

If you could pick two things, this Tuesday…

Movin' it with Michelle

What are your two top THINGS in life…not sure I can narrow it down…

I used to think my “things” were family, and career. 

I have come to a cross road in life, where career means less, and my family and friends mean MORE.  I didn’t run tonight due to knee pain, and guess what?  I was ok with it…Instead I came home, made some amazing tacos for dinner, and spent time with my family instead of hiding on my recliner behind closed eye lids. 
 

I laughed with my oldest, mocking her “it was like, um, like, yeah” terminology and just hearing her laugh made my day. 
My oldest, and my dog…how can you not love this pic?
 

I bathed my youngest, and spent an extra 20 minutes with her singing while drying her beautiful locks.  She told me her new “law” is you can’t leave her room without hugs and kisses…I’ll gladly abide by this law. 
 

I had a great phone conversation with my Mom about my new job, life, and my race recap.  We don’t get to talk nearly as often as I’d like, so it was awesome to catch up.   

I talked in lengths with my husband about our upcoming budget and how we would BE OK, because we’ve done our best to be smart over the years.   There will be give and take, but we will never go without. 

I spent over an hour replying and posting on all the amazing blogs I follow.  Check out this link for an amazing blog and giveaway http://www.ilaxstudio.com/blog/2013/04/09/myo-release-ball-giveaway/

I spent 30 minutes on strength training, doing core and weights while letting my knee rest. 

I texted with my friend Janel, who I was blessed to share my PR and last weekend with…
 

Life, is good.