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Day 11, Fun facts

Movin' it with Michelle

Day 11

Friday Fun facts…

1. I started running in 7th grade as a way to ‘free my mind’ after suffering from depression.
2. I joined the Air Force at the age of 18, and proudly served 20 years and am now a retired Master Sgt.
3. I have been through a lot in life (haven’t we all) but I choose to keep moving forward and don’t let the BAD outweigh the good anymore.
4. I turn 40 NEXT week, and have 2 amazing daughters and am married to my soul mate.
5. I love to run, and work out…If my knee holds out, I will run my second FULL marathon in October, 2013.
6. I love to motivate, inspire, and help others.

I ran alone tonight for the first time…and sadly I will say I won’t do it again in the dark.  I couldn’t find my footing, my groove, my anything…it was scary and although I had my head lamp I found myself looking over my shoulder far too much…But I did get my miles in, so for that I am thankful. 
It’s been a hard week; I suppose the eve of my upcoming birthday has me at odd.  If I hear “only 40” one more time I may snap.  I am having a hard time with it, and that should be allowed, right? 

I suppose it is why I laced up my shoes tonight even though my husband didn’t want me to…But I comforted him with the fact I would use my runtastic pro app so he could track where I was at…he got nervous when I hit a stop light, paused, and then accidentally turned my app off, LOL.  Thankfully I restarted it…

I running my longest “long run” tomorrow with a couple of friends I have met through training last year…looking forward to it, even though I am slower than they are.  Bring on an 8 miler to start the weekend right!

Please say a little prayer for my youngest who is running a fever, and has been for the last 2 days…Bless her for still smiling and being her happy little self. 
 
With that, I will leave you with this.  Hang on to those who pick you up, know you best, and support you constantly.  I have met so many new friends, and have time honored friends I wouldn’t trade for the world.  I have gotten so much support from them these last few weeks that I kick myself for worrying about a silly birthday. 

Rock on, Movers…life is too short. 
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Day 2 of 365…Rarely a wordless wednesday

Movin' it with Michelle

I recently embraced my addiction to running shoes…and gear…these are just last year’s purchases.  Yes, there will be more.  My latest addition are my awesome trail shoes which I LOVE. 

Tonight was day 2 of my 365 days of working out, and WHAT A WORK OUT. 

I leave you with these thoughts. 

Follow YOUR dreams.  No one else’s…Don’t let the negative aspects or lack of support get you down, for there is support out there…
Did I mention, follow YOUR dreams?  Ok…just checking. 

Signed up for my 3rd race last night…the Fox Valley marathon to which I reaffirm my love for running, and runners alike.  I don’t know if I will run the half or full, but I am running my hometown race by gosh.  No one can stop me!

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Day ONE of 365…

Movin' it with Michelle

Happy New Year, gang!!!

 

So I am starting this year off, well, differently.  I don’t have a specific SET goal, other than hoping to double my mileage from last year with biking and running.  Last year I hit 657 miles, so hoping to hit 1300 this year.  I don’t know if it is doable with my schedule, but I sure will TRY. 

My fitness goals are big…I have decided most importantly to eat better, live better, and work harder.  This being said, I hope to do this BOTH mentally and physically.
I didn’t run today, but since my goal this year is to work out EVERY day, I did a small circuit training in my living room.  Yes, that is how I often roll.  🙂
25 pushups
25 squats
100 situps
25 push ups
25 squats
3 sets of bicep curls.
3 sets of tricep extensions
100 situps.

I have always struggled with confidence, and now as I am in the month of my 40th birthday, that lack of confidence has been knocking repeatedly at my door.  I need to learn to better stand up for myself, yet be kind in doing so. 

I need to stop letting people hurt me, and take my own advice. 

I need to start believing more in me, for the rest will follow. 

I need to stop listening to the people who may doubt me, yet never have taken the time to know me.

I need to recognize those who aren’t truthful with me, and just stop, stinkin’ listening to them. 

I need to decide to hang on to the good, and let go of the bad.  I preach it, now I need to do it…

I need to move forward with my dreams of writing a book, AND a cookbook, and quit putting it off until I have time-because I’ll never HAVE time, I have to make the time. 

I need to clutch on to those who have supported me not only this year, but continually throughout my life. 

I wanted to run today with all my running pals.  But I woke up in a funk I couldn’t shake.  It was 10 degrees, and my one pair of running tights were wet in the dryer when I got up at 8:45…I don’t want to take the decorations down-and haven’t…I am nervous about the upcoming year at work, be it current job and new.  I am trying to overcome the “over the hill” birthday that is right around the corner.  Ok…rant over.  LOL

So a few months ago I made a Facebook page filled with motivation, workouts, and recipes.  I didn’t think this page would grow…its quite simple actually.  But tonight I hit 1000 likes, and I can’t help but to be proud.  I am proud that I have put forth so much effort into the page, and more so proud I have helped support my fellow fitness and motivation pages.  It’s been quite a fun journey.  If you want to check it out, search “Movin’ it with Michelle Running, Recipes, and Real life adventures.” 
 

Here’s wishing you ALL, a very happy, blessed, and prosperous year.  I appreciate the unending support my family and friends have given me.  Tomorrow.  Is.  A. New. Day. 
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A post without pics. None needed here! My 2012 recap!

Movin' it with Michelle
It’s been quite a year…I toyed with the idea of NOT writing a recap of my 2012 journey, but quickly put a cabosh on NOT doing it…for every year I try to do more, be more, and more so IMPROVE more…
I will recap this year in bits.  Breaking it up between career, fitness goals, and self-preservation and growth.
CAREER.
I started a new career in the fall of 2011, just a few months after my retirement from the Air Force.  I still feel like a fish out of water some days, but other days I find myself learning just something small that makes me feel as if I am on top of the world.  The civilian hospital setting is so different from military.  But with perseverance I will prevail and succeed.  Some days I may want to give up, but I won’t let myself.
I completed my MBA in March of 2012…something I though NEVER possible.
I was offered a position this year as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Histology, just last month.  What is Histology most people ask?  Simply stated it is the branch of anatomy that studies biological tissues.  It is a truly artistic yet scientific field that can never be totally automated…I have been in this field for 21 ½ years now, and still find myself learning something new every day.  I look forward to this new challenge, as I know not only will it benefit me in more ways than one; it also provides me an avenue to give back to the community.
FITNESS GOALS
I started the year fresh and filled with fitness goals.  My 40th birthday would be in 2013, so finishing my first FULL marathon was looming on the horizon.  I started slow and steady with treadmill runs, building my way up to my second half marathon.  The Schaumburg ½ in May 2012.  It was one of the toughest races I’ve had to date…It hurt, I sucked, and I wanted to give up.  But…I don’t give up, and we (my sister and I) finished around the 2:33 mark.  Blah.  I got home, and feverishly looked for another ½ so I could redeem myself in order to regain confidence for FULL marathon training.  And yes…The All State 13.1 in Chicago truly was my redemption, finishing strong at 2:11, my current PR.
I also ran a few other smaller races and had a blast doing them all.
Dash in the Dark 5K-with a PR of 28:10
Fox Valley 20 miler-Best.  Race.  Ever.  3:39 finish.
Dick Pond Hot Cocoa-um, forgot my time?  Yikes!  What kind of runner am I?
Chicago Hot Chocolate 15K finished in 1:44
Turkey Trot 4 miler finished in 40:57
But biggest of all, I RAN THE CHICAGO  MARATHON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Lol…And my finishing time was 5:23.  THIS, was the hardest race of my life, quite possibly one of the hardest moments/days of my life.  I felt every emotion known to man…joy, elation, stress, worry, and nearly defeat when my knee gave out with still nearly 8 miles to run.  Thanks to my amazing sister for keeping me going!
It looks like I will not only finish out the year at 650 miles, but with more memories than I could possibly imagine.  I’ve now signed up for the Egg Shuffle ½ marathon in March, and hope to have more races on my schedule soon.
SELF-PRESERVATION AND GROWTH
I have been on depression medication for more than ½ my life.  I can proudly say I am now going over a month strong, medication FREE.
I have learned that not everyone will be truly happy for your success.  But be, happy, anyway.
I have learned that some people want nothing more than for you to fail.  Succeed, anyway.
I have learned that even when you doubt yourself, your “people” will pick you up and show you that you CAN. DO. IT.
I have learned you can’t GET support, without GIVING it in return.  Show those you love how much they mean to you, always.
I have learned that the friends I have made through my running community truly are amazing, and in turn they have changed my life for the better.  They get my butt out of bed.  They motivate me, and they inspire me to be a better person.
I have learned that even in the darkest of hours, I can always find joy.  For in the end, my joy in self-created.
Bring on 2013, I can’t wait for new adventures!
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Friday.

Movin' it with Michelle

Today I find myself at a loss for words.  I woke up, and saw the post from ‘Muscle Mom’ highlighting me as the “Muscle Mom” of the week.  Her page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.dragoo.5?cropsuccess#!/MuscleMom1

My life: in a photo can be found here:

I thought, FINALLY, a good day after a couple rough weeks.  I went to work with a smile, despite being tired, yet as the day unfolded I heard the tragic news of a kindergarten class that was gunned down. 

I was beside myself with emotion.  I wanted nothing more than to LEAVE work and go get my girls.  Yet this of course couldn’t happen.  I watched the clock. I worked as hard as possible to keep my mind at bay. 

Yet I found myself running to my Jeep so I could get to my girls.  I tried keeping my mind off the tragedy yet it was broadcasted on every radio station.  I tried driving in silence for the hour it takes me to get home, yet I needed a distraction.  I listened to talk radio, and sobbed…for I can’t fathom anything worse than losing a child.  I know the loss to a point having several miscarriages.  Yet to not be able to hug the children I have raised for the last 13/6 years is unimaginable to me. 

I got to Sophia’s daycare and literally RAN inside…NEEDING to feel her arms wrap around me.  NEEDING to see her face light up when I walk in the door.  Once home, I called for my oldest, nearly begging for a hug that I refused to let go…”Are you ok, Mommy?”  No…Yes…I don’t know. 

I then kicked myself in the rear for my petty woes.  I have a wonderful family, a home, a job, and food on my table. 

Yet I found myself so drained I couldn’t move…I got nervous for I remembered these feelings when I was at my all-time low in life.  But I simply closed my eyes for 20 minutes, regrouped, and MADE myself get up and GET moving. 

I may have not gotten my normal Friday night chores done tonight…nope…but I relaxed with my family, and am praying for some sleep. 

I have extra prayers tonight for the lives lost, and those family members that are left behind.  I won’t worry about laundry, cleaning, or scrubbing toilets (well at least for today lol).  I will now bid you all goodnight, hug my kids one last time, and pray society gets their act together. 
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Amazing weekend!

Movin' it with Michelle

What a busy weekend!
First off, in my first week of the core challenge I did 1000 crunches, plus 2 cardio workouts…feeling pretty darn good.  I haven’t dropped a lb, but I am ok with that. 

Yesterday we went to Bass Pro shop to see Santa, but the line was FOUR hours long, so we opted to just Christmas shop instead.  Brian got some new clothes and a new jacket as this was on his list and it’s too hard to pick out stuff for him…I got a few new shirts as well, and we agreed we don’t need to wrap them.  LOL. 
And this, is why I smile, daily.
 

Today we went to church for the first time in quite a while with my friend Carolyn and her family.  Her boys were in the Christmas production and it was so touching to see the kids sing and perform.  Afterwards we went to our favorite local diner for breakfast, and I sadly pigged out.  Bah.  I have a weakness when it comes to breakfast foods…LOL.

So my goals this week are to eat ‘cleaner’ and avoid carbs and dairy.  My system needs a nice little flush so to speak. 

Tonight I decided to put on my Chef’s hat, and I made a pork roast with cauliflower mash as well as a side of steamed broccoli.  Simple, yet healthy. 

I seasoned the roast with basic kosher salt, pepper, and my favorite spice rub.  Then, I seared it on all sides, and threw it in the crock pot with chicken stock, onions, and garlic.  The roast was small, so it only took two hours on high, and 30 minutes on low to finish it off. 

While this cooked, I prepared my cauliflower mash.  Quick, and simple…sauté 4-6 cloves of garlic in one pat of butter and a splash of extra virgin olive oil.  Once the butter is melted and the garlic lightly browned, add in a head of roughly chopped cauliflower.  Season simply with kosher salt and pepper and let cook until soft.  I put this in my food processor and added just a spoonful of low fat cream cheese and a splash of milk.  Puree on low, and then put the mixture into a casserole dish.  Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Cook slowly for about 25 minutes
 

Next, is my cranberry reduction sauce…I have been perfecting this for weeks now, and I think I finally scored tonight.  In a wide sauté pan, add a half of a bag of fresh cranberries.  Ladle in two cups of the stock from the roast.  Bring this mixture to a boil, and add in ½ cup of Pinot Noir.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  To thicken, add 2 tablespoons of corn starch to a cup of water and whisk.  Once incorporated (with no lumps), add this mixture to the cranberries and bring to a boil.  Lower the temperature down to a simmer, and let simmer for about 15 minutes.  When ready to serve, strain all of the cranberries and add the sauce back to a small sauce pan.  Put in a small pat of butter, and warm through…

 

While this warmed, I steamed 4 servings of broccoli in the microwave.  Quick, and easy to boot!

I breadloafed the roast after letting it rest for 15 minutes…YUM.  It was so juicy!

 

Time to plate! 
 

This meal was enjoyed by my entire family, to include my six year old.  J  We paired the meal with the same Pinot Noir used to make the sauce, and it was truly delicious, and healthy!  And hearing my youngest say, “Mom, you should be the next Master Chef,” truly made the effort even that much better!
May you all have a blessed and healthy week!
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My story, thanks Muscle Mom

Movin' it with Michelle

I am writing this post, because I was asked to tell my story. 

Check out Muscle Mom’s page:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/MuscleMom1

 

My story is only unique to ME.  I believe we all have our own stories, journeys, and paths…

I was a troubled child growing up.  There is no distinct reason that set me on my path of depression, for my life merely unfolded as everyone’s life does.  But to say I battled depression for the better part of my life is an understatement.  I lost family members to suicide which in turn put me in a downward spiral for more years than I can count. 

But in 7th grade I joined the track team more so to try and ‘fit in’ and I haven’t looked back since.  In all the trials and tribulations of my life, I have always gone back to ‘fitness’ as my source of therapy. 

I have loved, lost, been through divorce, and lived in the darkest of places. 

I am proud to say, at the age of nearly 40, for the first time in nearly 20 years I am currently weaning off depression medications.  I started taking medications to help my depression years ago, and although I have gone off of them several times-I always went back to being treated with medication. 

In 2006 I gave birth to my second child.  I suffered greatly from postpartum depression and have been on medication ever since.  But today…TODAY…I took my last pill.  I ran my first ½ marathon in 2007 because I NEEDED to…I ran my first FULL marathon this year, because I WANTED to.

My struggle has never really been with weight (give or take 10 lbs.) but more so self-confidence and peace. 

With that, I will continue to eat healthy, work out, and do all I can to inspire others.  I am now married to the love of my life, have a good career, and have high hopes for the future. 
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Happy Monday!

Movin' it with Michelle

I never sleep well on Sunday nights…I have no clue why…I suppose I just can’t turn my mind off and get rest.

So last night was a sleepless night, but I tried to catch a few ZZZ’s in each hour between waking up with stomach issues.  I could’ve let this ruin my day…COULD HAVE.   But I was pleasantly surprised to get not only morning cuddles from my husband (normally tough with a 60 lb. dog in the bed), but to also have my youngest crawl in bed for 5 minutes of snuggles before we had to get up.  I knew it would be a great day. 

And then I stepped on the scale for my Monday morning weigh in, and heard a terrible crack.  DID I BREAK THE SCALE???  I registered at 100 lbs. which is ridiculous, but I figured I broke the scale.  (Come to find out it was one of my daughter’s beads that broke underneath the scale, LOL). 

I have struggled with negativity ruining my mood lately, so I went into work with a new found positive attitude.  And guess what, it worked!  Will it work every day, maybe not.  But Monday is complete and I am happy.   

I was SOOOO tired today after a terrible night’s sleep.  But I made myself drive straight home from work and change into my workout gear for the gym.  I was pleasantly surprised to get a good workout in.

I ran 2.12 miles in 20 minutes and added in some weights to help strengthen my legs.

3 sets/15-30 lbs abdominals
3 sets/15-55 lbs leg extensions
3 sets/10-45 lbs leg curls

Not a huge workout, but a great start. 

I also (drum roll please) signed up for my first ½ marathon this spring. 

 

A lot of my running friends are signing up, so it should be a blast. 

Lastly, I am happy to report I’ve lost nearly all the weight I gained during marathon training!   Thank goodness, my knees were very unhappy with me.  Hard work truly pays off!  ❤
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Batavia “Fox and the Turkey trot” race recap. 22 Nov 2012

Movin' it with Michelle

I was nervous to sign up for another race since I knew resting my every aching knee was important.  But after the Chicago Hot Chocolate 15K, I realized I can’t quit now.  I need to run, even if it is shorter distances and not as often as a true “training regime.” 

So when my friends Carolyn and Melissa said, DOOOO ITTT, well, I did…I signed up that night, and was officially registered for the Fox and Turkey trot in Batavia, IL.  It was a simple 4 miles, and I knew no matter what I could complete the distance. 

The night before the trot I couldn’t sleep.  My IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) that I acquired back in my military days has been rearing its ugly head as of late with added “life stressors.”   I had my gear set out, and tried to go to bed at a decent hour, but was awoken to terrible stomach cramps.  I made several trips to the bathroom before being able to head out to the course. (Sorry, TMI). I prayed my stomach would hold out, as well as my knee.  Thankfully my stomach cramps helped me not think about the knee so much.  I wasn’t able to eat before running which isn’t uncommon, but I drank two bottles of water and felt, ‘ready.’

We met by the windmill near the river, and it was so awesome to get a good Carolyn hug in.  We missed meeting Melissa unfortunately, but we were able to high five on the course. 
 

The course was VERY narrow, so we started out slow and steady trying to weave through the other 2K runners that signed up for the race.  Carolyn and I stayed together for nearly the first mile, but she knows me too well and told me to go on without her as running at certain paces hurts my knee even more.  I tend to enjoy staying near the 9:30-10:00 pace to keep “warm” and comfortable, so I bid her farewell promising to meet her at the end and did my ‘take off.’  I love, love, love when the stride just hits and I find my pace.  I was doing well at a 9:30 pace until the runners who started first started at the turn around and we were forced to be squished to the right side of an already narrow path.  I had to slow to not get trampled, but managed to keep steady until the 2 mile mark where a welcomed water stopped greeted me. 

I allowed myself to walk through the water stop, and immediately took back off.  My breathing started to get the best of me as my stomach cramped, so I walked for just a few seconds around the 3 mile mark.  I allowed myself to take in the sights, and even saw a guy TAKE HIS SHOES OFF and run barefoot the last mile.  Watching him made my feet hurt, LOL.

The last corner was where I remember seeing my family cheering me on for the Fox Valley 20 miler so I gained renewed strength, and finished strong.  I finished 77thin my age group, at an official time of 40:57/4 miles.  My best race?  Definitely Not.  But was it refreshing to get back out and race?  OMG, yes.  Running has always been my therapy…and this race did wonders for my soul. 

I was able to see my Carolyn cross the line, and get more awesome hugs in.  YAHOO!  So proud of her for finishing strong at 110thin our age group at a 45:09 pace.  She rocks. 
 

Thanksgiving was spent with my family at my sister’s house, and we had an amazing spread of food and laughter.  I felt bad I have been so exhausted from work, as I had to take a quick post-turkey nap on the couch, LOL.  Yummy turkey, awesome awesome day. 
 

I had to work today, and it was a long 10 hour (plus 2 hour commute) day.  We were blessed to get AppleBee’s gift cards from my folks for our anniversary, so tonight we took the kids to dinner and came home to relax.  I sadly needed ANOTHER nap, so slept quietly on my recliner while listening to Christmas music.  After which we worked on decorating the house. 

A tradition our family has come to love is building my little Christmas village each year.  Brian loves getting me new additions for it, and we always do it together.
 
 

So despite being tired, I feel very blessed this holiday season.  I have an amazing family, and amazing friends which are family to me as well. 

Doesn’t get much better than this now, does it?
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Thank a Vet for your freedom

Movin' it with Michelle

Hard to believe this is my second Veterans day OUT of uniform.  I spent over half my life wearing the uniform and proudly serving among some truly amazing people. 
 

So today when hitting up a local craft fair, I saw a Korean War/Vietnam vet.  I spotted him a mile away with his Army cap on which was adorned with a Purple Heart and Bronze star medal, as well as some medals I didn’t recognize.  As we made our purchases I looked him square in the eye and said, ‘Thank you for your service.’  His smile truly lit up the room as he questioned how I knew he was a Vet.  I smiled and told him I too was a vet, as was my husband. 

He BEEMED!  His wife smile and said, “Oh no, hope you are prepared for some stories!!”  We talked for a while, and he shook both my husband’s hand as well as mine. 

 

I miss the Air Force, but it was my time to move on after 20 years…but in my heart I will always do my best to keep serving by supporting my husband and all the other amazing military members both past and present that are in my life. 

 

Take a moment, and thank a vet.  You don’t know how much it means to hear, “Thank you for your service.”  Because so many barely recognize the hardships and struggles a military member deals with every single day.