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2012 Chicago Hot Chocolate Race recap

Movin' it with Michelle

Gosh, where do I start with this race recap?

9.3 miles done, in 1:44.  My best race?  No.  But after coming off an injury I am darn proud of this one. 

First and foremost, this race was more about spending time with my friends and having fun.  I wasn’t able to meet up with the bloggers because I had previous plans to run with friends, but honestly that is my only regret about the weekend. 

Yes, the packet pick up was long…and cold.  But we had fun regardless.  Are all races put together perfectly?  No…but I find it isn’t all about organization that makes the race successful.

We met at my friend Carolyn’s house the afternoon before the race, packed up my jeep and made a quick stop at Jewel for water and breakfast bars.  We hit the road to downtown, and made it to the hotel in fairly good time only hitting a small amount of traffic.  I must admit, I am in awe every time I go into the city.  The Chicago skyline is breathtaking no matter what the weather!
 

We laughed, joked, and goofed around finding ourselves the life of the party as we greeted fellow Hot Chocolaters!  We made it to our room which was amazing, and even were greeted by the staff with extra pillows, robes, and why yes, disposable slippers!  It’s the little things, right?

View from our room
 
Can you tell we were happy?

 

 

After relaxing and getting cleaned up we decided to head down to the meeting spot for dinner, which was Carmines Italian restaurant.  We decided to hail a cab because walking a mile and a half in boots while it was drizzling just didn’t seem like a good idea the night before a race.  We were surprisingly welcomed by hailing a LIMO!!!  Yeah, it cost a bit more, but I haven’t been in a LIMO in well, 20 years?  So it was worth it as we laughed and joked the entire way to the restaurant. 

We met up with our fellow runners and had a simply amazing dinner.  Thankfully we split the portions because I don’t know how one person could eat all of this!!!!

 

Amazing group of women!  Hope to get to run again with them soon!

 

After dinner we headed back to the hotel for showers and to get our stuff organized for the morning.  Bed time was around 10:30, but I couldn’t help to toss and turn trying to clear my mind.  Could I actually run 9.3 miles?  Of course other stressors crept into my mind, but that always seems to be my problem at night…thankfully I drifted off, and didn’t wake up until our wake up call. 

We got up, dressed, ate, and headed down to our corrals.  We hugged Melissa as she set off for her 5K corral and got Carolyn’s bag checked before heading to her corral.  I was corral K, but wanted to run with Carolyn at the start so we headed to corral R.  We were having fun, albeit cold, spectating the other runners and the ‘GORUCK’ guys that were carrying ruck sacks and drinking beer while they waited, LOL.  Later we found out they stopped at every mile, did pushups and other exercises to support our military.  Pretty cool, although I had no clue how they could be drinking beer and running, LOL. 

 

About 1:08 we finally crossed the start line, just to receive a text from Melissa that she had finished her 5K!  LOL.  In my opinion they should’ve started the 15K race first, but all in all it was ok.  The first 3 miles were spent in the crowd, trying to find a good place to be.  I had to pee, but didn’t want to stop so early.  My knee hurt, but it really started to feel good around mile 5…this of course when Carolyn’s hip started to get wonky so I decided my best bet would to be to go on without her, because running slow hurts my knee even more.  We parted and off I went…I found myself nearly flying past people as I found a good edge of trail that was soft…I sort of lost myself for a few miles in the run, and in the music playing in my ear.  I did stop around mile 7 for a bio break but then took right back off to run.  IT.  FELT.  GREAT.  Yes, my knee is still wonky, but that is just par for the course.  I was running, and running strong.  Mile 8 I got a text from my hubby asking how it went, and that just motivated me more to GOOOO.  I kicked it up even more around mile 9, and literally was sprinting the last .3 

I see the start!!!

 

Afterwards we all met up, got our cheesy mugs of fondue and Hot Chocolate and headed back to the hotel.  We cleaned up quickly, and headed back to the burbs.  We of course had to stop at Tom and Eddies for some amazing burgers/fries, and then it was time to say goodbye. 

 

What an amazing weekend…

Back to reality tomorrow, but it’s moments like these that make it all worthwhile. 

Thanks again, for those that support me…You are all the wind on my back, and the fire under my feet.  xoxoxoxo
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Chicago Hot Chocolate 15K packet pick up/expo recap!

Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t been blogging much.  I suppose this is due to the fact I haven’t been ‘doing’ much other than trying to keep my head above water while juggling a career, kids, and home life while my husband travels a lot.  Some days go smoothly of course, while others seem to whiz by in a whirlwind of errands, running kids around, and trying to keep tasks complete at work. 

So although I momentarily thought of not running my scheduled race this weekend, I quickly reminded myself that I never quit anything I set out to do in life. 

Today I was fortunate enough to take a day off work so that I could head downtown to the Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k packet pick up and expo.  I was more so fortunate to go with my dear friend Carolyn while making a new friend (Melissa)!  We had smart (so we thought) plans of getting downtown fairly early, but little did we know we would be met by HUGE lines, and said lines being formed up OUTSIDE.   This wouldn’t be a big deal for most runners across the U.S. but for us here in Chicago with blustery winds and dropping temperatures, these outside lines made things…well…interesting. 

 

 

We could have complained, and we did allow ourselves some negative banter…but for the most part we just enjoyed each other’s company while moving slowing through the lines.  About ¾ quarters of the way through we were delighted in the fact we got a tiny shot of hot cocoa but sadly by then my fingers and toes were numb. This packet pick up was POORLY organized we realized after heading inside the tent to find only 9 stations for 15k’rs, and 6 stations for the 5k’rs.  WHAT?  The tent was sprawled out with nearly 90% of the space being occupied by vendors, and only 10% being coordinated for packet pick up.  Once you got your packet in hand the space was nearly unoccupied.  This being said while thousands of people were wrapped around the parking lot near Solider Field.  (And to the guy who showed up in flip flops, I have to ask, REALLY???)

 

All said and done, we got our packets and headed back towards the burbs to find lunch…nearly dinner at this point, but laughed, talked, and shared funny stories while of course Jeep waving everyone possible.  Once home I started nearly immediately packing for the weekend festivities and my heart felt good…I know this race won’t be a PR, but it will be miles underneath my feet. 

 

I have missed running terribly.  I not only do it for the physical aspect of being in shape, but running truly is my therapy.  Although I am a bit out of the running circuit since the marathon, I hope this race is my jump start to redemption.  The best part of it all is that I get to stay downtown with some amazing women, and I get to run with some awesome people.  I have learned that if you surround yourself with amazing people, you in turn feel AMAZING.  Isn’t that what life is all about?

Last tid bit, I have to give kudos to the volunteers that helped out today.  I know they must have gotten pummeled by irritated runners, but I quietly thanked them with a smile and a nod, and one guy nearly got teary because he was so thankful for my positive attitude.  It can’t be easy to volunteer for such a huge event, so way to go guys and gals.  You may not have organized this event, but your diligence to put up with thousands of cranky people is amazing.  ❤
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A recap of my marathon journey…

Movin' it with Michelle

 

A recap of my marathon journey…

As a young child I would watch the infamous Grandma’s marathon every year in awe of these amazing athletes, every day people, and runners who decided one day that they would RUN 26.2 miles.  I can attest to the fact that this dream derives NO WHERE from a simple place.  This dream isn’t about a sticker on a car, a medal around your neck, or a bib number you file away for a rainy day. 

This dream comes from within, and it is safe to say very few have this dream/goal in their midst.  But this dream is very alive for those who train to finish 26.2 miles.  The desire is in your gut, and it drives your heart, mind, and body to keep moving forward. 

After years of suffering from Patella femoral syndrome, as well as arthritis and Chondromalacia of the patella I knew I couldn’t train for this goal pain free.  See here for more information: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000452.htm

I struggled, but trained smart (for the most part) in my opinion.  My only down fall was possibly training with a full marathon group with that marathon being scheduled 3 weeks prior to the CM12.  But I can’t look back with regret now.  I trained…with every ounce of my being, to be able to finish this race.  And you know what?  I met lifelong friends during this training process that I wouldn’t trade for a sub 5 marathon.  Ever. 

I wanted to finish “strong.”  I wanted my 4:40 finish that held true to my times and pace my entire 10 months of training.  I wanted…but didn’t achieve this goal. 

But, that’s ok…because guess what?  I finished.  Did I have a stellar race?  Nope.  Did my body want to run 26.2 miles on the 7th of October?  HELL NO.  But even at the brink of collapsing due to sheer pain, I.  Kept.  Running.  Maybe it was a shuffle to some at a 12 minute mile pace, but it was running to me. 

I have a photo that captures my determination perfectly…
 

 

And a photo that shows the tears of joy in my eyes. 
 

 

The best part?  I got to share this journey with newfound friends, lifelong friends, and my family.  I am now I different person in a way…in lots of ways I can honestly say.  Because even on the darkest of days, no one can take crossing that finish line hand in hand with my sister, away from me.  I could have quit…I could have succumbed to the day, the weather ( I could NOT warm up, AT ALL), and the pain I felt…But I didn’t QUIT.  I. KEPT. RUNNING.  If I never am able to run another full marathon I am totally at peace with that…as long as I can run, be me, and live my life, I know nothing can stop me now. 
 
Lastly, my new goal is to do a minimum of 100 situps per day, for the rest of the month.  I hope to achieve 200+ daily and get my body back to where it was before this madness.

Rock on friends.  Rock.  On. 

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Fantastic meal in less than 40 minutes!

Movin' it with Michelle

Adventures:
I can’t believe it’s been a week since the marathon.  WOW.  I am still in a place where I am  NOT looking for redemption.  I don’t feel physically I can do another FULL marathon at this point.  My knee HURTS.  I am thankful for my extremely high pain tolerance, but I have to listen to these aches and pains and let myself heal after 10 months of rigourous training.  I will still run weekly, bike, and just got my new suit so plan on swimming too.  Once I am stronger I will re-evaluate whether or not I will attempt to go for my goal of a sub-5 marathon.
Until then, I will continue my quest in healthy living, cooking, and exercising.  My latest goal is to finish a 1/2 marathon in under 2 hours.  But I will let myself heal first. 

Meals:
Tonight I honestly didn’t FEEL like going crazy with a fancy meal like I normally enjoy to on Sundays.  Instead I got a TON of chores done, laundry, and prepping the hubby for his upcoming work trips (starting tomorrow).  Since I will be back on the single parent docket quite a bit for the next six-eight weeks I am back in gear with cooking in advance, setting outfits out for my youngest, and all around preparation to keep our house running smoothly.
With that, I decided an easy meal of pork chops and organic green beans would be on the menu.  I of course can’t do anything “plain” but do watch spices etc so that my kids enjoy the meal as well.  Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees and start on the marinade…
I marinaded the chops (boneless thin cut) in a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, avacado oil, garlic, anchovy, crushed peppers, rosemary and basil. 

Add this to your food processor and pulse until mixed well. 

Add kosher salt and pepper to taste.  Pour over your chops, and set aside while getting your green beans ready!
For the green beans I poured a fair amount into a mixing bowl, drizzed with good extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper and freshly minced garlic. 

While this marinates, toast your pine nuts over low heat in a non stick pan. 

While the pine nuts are toasting, you can seer your chops over high heat for just a couple minutes on each side. 

Pop them into your preheated oven and finish off for about 15 minutes. 
While the pork chops are baking you can sautee’ your green beans.  Deglaze the pan you cooked the chops in with white wine, and strain.  Chop your pine nuts and add them to your beans.  Then add the beans and saute’ until cooked, yet still crunchy. 

Use a good wine you would drink. 
Chopped pine nuts, yum!
deglaze for about 5 min

strain

Cook for about 5-7 minutes, and YUM.

Easy meal made in under an hour, and served on paper plates for easy clean up!
Exercise:
Tonight I will go back to basics, and do my situps, pushups, and arm weights.  Just letting my yummy dinner settle!
May you all have a blessed week!  Thanks for any comments, and for the support!

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Dick Pond Hot Cocoa Race recap

Movin' it with Michelle

I signed up for this race, coming off my amazing 20 miler (Fox Valley).  I felt on top of the world, and KNEW I had a 4:40 marathon in me…RIGHT?  Nope…WRONG!

My Chicago Marathon journey was long…10 months in the making, and probably one of the hardest things I have both mentally and physically done.  Did I do it just to put a sticker on my car (yeah, someone asked me that!), NO.  I did it because it was a dream, and I turned that dream in to reality.

Needless to say, that training took it’s toll on me more physically than anything, and I was nervous to get out there and run again after Sunday’s literal BLOW OUT. 

But I keep my promises, and follow through with my commitments so set my alarm for the crack of dawn today (last night), and set my clothes out.  This race was different though, as for once I can say, “I AM NOT RACING.”  My only goal was to pick my legs up and run, no matter how slow-even though I loath slow.  I don’t want to over do it, and I don’t want to further injure myself.

I must admit, it was nice to not have the pre-race jitters and just have fun. 

Cheesin’ it up!

We made it to the forest preserve early, but I had some things come up last minute that I needed to take care of for work via phone so we didn’t get out to the starting line until around 7:50.  I sadly missed Heather and Lindy.  POOH. 

We were about mid way through the pack, and the starting gun went off.  The first 1/4 mile or so is on grass, so that was a challenge to maneuver, especially with an injured knee.  But we managed, and held around a 10:50-12:00 pace throughout.  It was a beautiful course, and the weather held out just long enough for us to finish.  We were near the end, and sadly missed out on the hot cocoa!  BAH! 

But we finished, and managed to run the entire course.  Carolyn did an amazing job, and we had fun as always along the way. 

love this girl, she’s as goofy as I am!
 

We ended the morning with some post race photos and a yummy breakfast with our running buddies, most of which I just met today.  Our waitress was a bit scary, but we had so much fun laughing (and Erin throwing food at innocent on-lookers, HAHA!), talking, and eating that it didn’t matter!
What a great great GREAT day.  My only regret is we forgot to get a picture!

We did it!!!!
 
smoked salmon scramble…quite good!  Not as good as Mel’s, but the company made up for it!

Now the hubby and I are headed out to watch our friend’s band play.  We haven’t had a date night in a couple months so I am looking forward to it!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

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Gluten free Chicken meal

Movin' it with Michelle

I truly am committed to getting healthier and losing some of the pounds I gained over the last summer while training like a mad woman, in turn being hungry ALL the time.  Although I work long hours and have a commute I could do without, I can’t use those factors as excuses to not eat healthy.

On the menu tonight was chicken…organic, healthy, and yummy all in one!

I never really know what I am going to do with my meals, but I try to get inspired by the ingredients. 

I butterflied 4 chicken breasts and placed them in a large mixing bowl.  I like to butterfly thicker cuts of meat during the week because it cuts down on cooking time. 

I then added gluten free teriyaki sauce, as well as ginger, minced garlic, kosher salt, pepper and dried herbs.  I thinly sliced some red onions and mixed well.  I finished it with the zest of one lemon, and the juice of 1/2 of a lemon.  If you juice the lemon into your palm you can catch the seeds. 

This marinade can be found in the organic section of your local market

 
This is an easy way to juice a lemon without a fancy gadget

 

Bake the chicken at 425 for 15 minutes, and then kick down the oven to 375 for 10 minutes.  Easy Peasy!

While the chicken was baking I put organic broccoli in my steamer, added salt and pepper as well as some dried herbs and let it simmer.  Bring the water up to a boil first, and then knock the heat down.  I buy the frozen organic broccoli as it has a longer shelf life and I don’t always have time to hit the grocery store. 

I then made my sauce to drizzle over the chicken.  It was a simple vinaigrette made with spicy mustard, hoison sauce, a splash of white wine vinegar and the juice of the other half of lemon.  Add extra virgin olive oil and whisk and finish with kosher salt and pepper to taste!


The only thing missing from this pic is the white wine vinegar.  You only need a splash1

Time to test my skills and dress my plates!

Yes, that is a swirl of sauce on the plate..bring on Iron Chef!  LOL

Don’t forget to season your bed of lettuce with salt and pepper!  Yes, this is me pretending I am a Chef.  🙂

Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes.  I dressed the plates while my chicken rested, and let me tell you my house smelled amazing!

Who said healthy eating had to be boring?  NOT ME!

 

Once the chicken has rested letting the juices redistribute, you can plate your dish. 

YUM, my kids even loved this!
 

The entire meal took around 40 minutes with prep and cook times.  My family was thrilled with my newest creation which made my day! 

Off topic, I will say that besides running and exercising, cooking truly is my escape.  After a long day at work and finding out my husband will be gone more times than I can count in the next two months, I truly  needed this release.  I am also SO blessed with friends who will be there for me during his absence.  Life.  is.  GOOD. 

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Moving forward with a new name! Thanks for everyone’s input!

Movin' it with Michelle

The new and improved banterings of ME! 

 

Adventures

So today was any normal day at work.  Me still finding my way, yet finding it more and more despite hard times…But I feel better about my job each day as time goes on…and I hope and pray that continues. 

Marathon training is officially OVER!  Wow…although an 18 week program was what I followed, I started the unofficial training 10 months ago and ran 2 half marathons this past spring/early summer.  I ran nearly 600 miles to date so far, and although that isn’t a TON for a lot of runners, well, it’s a BOAT LOAD for me.  A handful of those miles were walking and biking, but very few. 
Still pretty proud of my name being on the wall this year for the Chicago Marathon…:-)

 

With that, I realize now that my legs are SUPER muscular, but the rest of me was ignored.  I sadly forgot the full body work outs the last couple months, and so the ten lbs. I now carry need to be either 1. Shed or 2. Toned. 

Today I loaded up my “LoseIt” app on my Iphone and decided it was time to get in total shape, not just running shape.  I am now tracking my food and calories as WELL as my work outs.  I am still very sore, tired, tight, and emotionally drained but know I can’t quit now.

 

 

Meals

To start the day I had sports beans. Yeah, I am addicted to running food.  I eat these on the way to work to get me going.

For breakfast I had two egg beaters and two pieces of turkey sausage.

Lunch was a yummy bowl of Turkey noodle soup and some crackers. 

For dinner I had a cup of homemade spaghetti.

Workouts

After dinner Jordyn and I changed clothes and hoped on our bikes for a quick easy ride before it got dark outside.  It was nice to get “Betty” back on the road.  I missed her.  We made it 6.24 miles before darkness hit as well as the sky opening up to some night rain showers.  It truly felt amazing.  I plan to do cardio and strength work outs alternating days and go from there.  I realized that although I needed to rest after my 20 miler, it truly was my demise in the end because EVERYTHING was too tight. 

Meet, Betty…my Walmart Schwinn!  Love her!

 

3.1 miles in (halfway mark) we stopped for some silliness-is that a word?
 

So my new goals are to strengthen my legs in order to support my knee, as well as SLOWLY get back in to running. 

People keep asking “When is your next marathon?” and I wish I had an answer.  I don’t know that I will do another, yet…I need to get healthy first!  I have a couple small races in the near future, the first being the Dick Pond Hot Cocoa 8 miler on Saturday.  My plan for this race is to, well, NOT race.  I know, I know…who’d of thought those words would come out of my mouth?

But I will be there to walk/run and support my dear friend Carolyn who has been one of my biggest cheerleaders since I started this madness. 

Lastly, a goal of mine is to write my own cookbook/take cooking classes.  This will be my next milestone!  I hope you all continue to join me! 
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26.2 before I am 40…why yes, I SURE DID!

Movin' it with Michelle

Wow…where do I start.  Some of these miles, markers and the like will be skewed as I found myself never really knowing where I was unless Bobbi would tell me or I would see a mile marker…J

The day started off early, with a 4 a.m. wake up, in time to get dressed and ready and settle down to eat my protein bar.  I drank a bottle of water while I waited for Kyla to pick me up, and away we went to our friend’s house to drop us off at the race.  About half way there I realized I forgot my nose spray (allergy), and hoped that would be the only thing that happened ‘wrong.’

We got to our friend’s hotel to pee, warm up, and calm down before hitting the Congress hotel to pick up my sister.  One more pottie stop and we were ready to hit our corral.  Quick smiles and hugs to Kyla as she sought out the 5:20 pace group and we found our 4:40 pace group…
 

We were ready.   We found Melissa and her friend and got a quick photo up.  I was nervous, excited, and stoked that this day had finally arrived.  At 8:17 we finally crossed the starting line, and my Garmin wouldn’t work.  ‘Wrong thing’ number 2.  But we ran on with Bobbi tracking our time, and we settled in as best we could amidst thousands of runners.
 

We saw our family just past the 1 mile mark, and it did my heart wonders, helping me calm down and settle in.  We saw them again a couple miles later, and it was priceless.    

By mile 7 I had to pee, and after waiting nearly 10 minutes for a porta pottie to open we gave up and hit the road…I started to tighten up, but did my best to ignore it and just take in the atmosphere.  The spectators truly made this race and we had a blast reading signs and high fiving everyone.   Oh, and I truly wanted to run in to the Pancake house we saw at this point and scarf down some pancakes…but I didn’t, LOL. 

Mile 10 we finally were able to make a pit stop and I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.  We salted, fueled, and kept trucking. 

This is when the chaffing occurred.  Really??  I’ve never had this happen EVER.  So I grabbed some vasoline from an aid station and kept running. ‘Wrong thing’ number 3. 
 

At the half way mark we saw my friend Carolyn and crew, and then my friend Andrea.  How truly amazing it is to see your friends and family cheering you on!  Thank you ALL..

And then things started to hurt…I am not used to running in the cold after this hot summer, but we managed to keep trucking…I was still running at this point so I was happy. 

But at mile 17ish, when we saw Carolyn again I stopped to hug her, maybe a bit too long-and when we took off again my knee gave out…literally.  I winced in pain, and the tears quickly followed.  I was afraid I wouldn’t finish.   But there was my sister, cheering me on and never leaving my side…(Bless her)…I cried for a bit, and then decided shuffling along was better than quitting…another great kiss from my husband telling me how proud he was of me as I ran past because I couldn’t stop got me through the next 8 miles.  Mind you my shuffling was no faster than a speed walk, but I was moving…forward.  Andrea jumped in to run with me for a bit around mile 18 and I couldn’t help but to get choked up.  Somewhere in there we stopped at an aid station for my knee and I was able to get some numbing meds….praise Jesus.  It still hurt, but I could at least move. 

I nearly forgot to enjoy myself…nearly.  But through the pain I realized that I was running in the greatest city in the U.S., supported by the greatest fans I have ever met.  Mile 23 we saw our friend Nora from daily mile, and then it started getting real.  And why on earth are they cooking fried yummy smelling food?  ROFL, I was SOOO hungry at this point and a banana did NOT appeal!  LOL!

Mile 20ish the wall truly hit, and I felt every single step, and every single corner we took.  My phone was about to die so I had to turn off my music.  Ack.  ‘Wrong thing’ number 4.

Mile 25…TWENTY FIVE.  And it hit me…I have farther than I have ever run in my entire life.  I could have quit, but I didn’t.  I could have NOT signed up due to a wonky knee, but I didn’t.  I could have bailed 3 weeks ago after my 20 mile and hurting my knee even more, but I didn’t. 

And as we turned the corner with only a ¼ mile to go we saw our families one last time…and it became surreal.  I was now RUNNING at nearly my normal pace, pain free (or just numb) and nothing was going to stop me…we turned our last corner and I saw the finish line.  Bobbi grabbed my hand, and we ran it in strong with tears pouring down my face.  I could barely contain my sobs as we finished and hearing HER say how proud she was of me made it even more worth it all. 

And so with medals, and beer in hand, I was in sheer bliss. 
 
Wrong things and all, this race was a success in a 5:23 finish.  Not my time goal, but my finish goal is now complete. 
I am in awe of my friends and family…truly. 

Thank you ALL for your amazing support. 

A new name for this blog will follow this week, as I tackle new dreams and keep moving forward. 

Love you all!
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ONE day…11 hours…02 minutes…

Movin' it with Michelle

I have dreamed for this goal for longer than I can recall…

I have worked for this set goal for 10 months…

And now momentary freak out has occurred.  I am watching the weather.  I am watching the clock.  I am setting and re-setting out my gear.  I am doubting myself. Again.  I am proud of myself.  I am wondering if my play list is good enough.  Did I charge my Garmin?  Where did I put my jellys…am I packing enough Shot Bloks?  Did I remember my salt tabs…oh shit, don’t forget my gum-I can’t run without gum.  Will it be too cold?  Do I wear capri’s under my skirt?  Have I eaten ok this week?  Am I too bloated?  Will my darn KNEE hold out?  Is that a new pain I feel in my shin?  Shit, where are my shoes.  Should I wear my new knee brace or go with the old ratty one…Wait, what do I do if my knee gives out?  Can I RUN 26.2 miles?  I’ve only gone 20 miles twice…Can I mentally pull this rabbit out of my hat?  What if my stomach blows…what if my knee blows…what if my IT band screams.  BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Ok…SO in my momentary freak out mode, unable to load new music, unable to concentrate, and near tears I texted Kyla.  We may not be running this entire race together but we’ve trained for quite a few months together and plan on starting together.  She has been my rock, my smile, and my saving grace.  So I sent her a text tonight during the above said freak out, and she reminded me…BREATHE…stop…SMILE…and enjoy all of the efforts we put in to our training. 

This isn’t supposed to feel good (totally) physically.  Shit is going to hurt.  But in the end the mental triumph TRUMPS all that pain. 

I am truly amazed by the unending support of people.  People I know well, people I barely know, and people I have never physically met. 

 

Crap…where are my shoes…J
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In 2 days, 9 hours, and 40+ minutes I will be toeing the line for the greatest race of my life

Movin' it with Michelle

But I will add the caveat that this is the greatest RUNNING race of my life, for I have raced so many other “life” challenges that I can honestly say I have already won my own personal race. 

I have hit my lowest point, more times than I can count.  And repeatedly I have gotten back up after falling, and ‘re-laced my shoes.”

I think this is why I love running so much.  You may have the crappiest run, sorriest race, or saddest performance.  But tomorrow, you can put your shoes back on and try again.  It is the same with life and all it hands us daily. 

We all have ailments, issues, and pressures that can ultimately keep us from our goals.  But if we KEEP PUSHING FORWARD, nothing can truly stop us from fulfilling our goals.  The only thing holding US back is, well, US.  Living in the past, hanging on to hard times, or wallowing in our sorrows only hurts US. 

Lately I have worried about my physical well-being which in turned hurt my mental well-being.  I have spent the last few days crying over nearly everything.  Wondering would I cross that finish line on Sunday…would I?  I cried the entire way home from work, feeling isolated from even my own family.  Yet I came home to find my husband and daughters bought me 2 dozen roses just because…just because they love me.  They know I am stressed, scared, excited, and in need of a good run. 

But tonight my amazing massage therapist (Kim, at Massage Envy in South Elgin) was selfless, and came in on her day off to give me a 2 hour massage for my IT band, knee, feet, and hammies.  She knows what this means to me after having me as a client this entire training process.  She has changed my life in the fact she helped work out more kinks than I care to admit.  She wouldn’t let me give up.  And she believes in me, so much so she has volunteered to work the medical tent on Sunday.  I truly love this woman.  She is giving so much of herself, not only for me but for the other runners.  What an amazing woman.  Thankfully I have an appointment for NEXT Saturday, after my 8 miler to hopefully fix all that I may break, LOL. 

Lastly, best of luck to my fellow runners.  May you find your inner peace, outer strength, and have the wind in your sails. 

Bring on Chicago people.  No stopping me now.