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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. 
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T-4…no looking back.

Movin' it with Michelle

I was getting caught up in not running very much in the last 3 weeks.  But then my friend Kyla reminded me that I have done the work, and I should be thankful I am healthy enough to even ATTEMPT running a marathon.  She came over tonight so we could discuss outfits (very important, yet not so much in the scheme of things) and it was great to introduce her to my family. 

Some runners spaz over outfits, gear, music, you name it…I too am very OCD when it comes to planning for race day.  Even now, 4 days out I have my fuel belt packed, my outfit set out, my Garmin charged and all my required items sitting on the kitchen counter. 

I honestly can’t think of much else these days…

My sis balked at me trying a new shirt, yet clothes have never been an issue for me as long as they are comfy and I know the brands.  Sure, I bought a new bright orange loose fitting tank…have I worn it outside of the house?  Nope…will it be an issue?  Nope.  My focus is on the run, my legs moving, and my mind staying strong. 

Of course we are all different and have our own ‘spaz items.’  Clothes simply aren’t one of mine.  More so I have never chaffed except for my feet, so I suppose I am blessed in that area. 

Take away my fuel belt, my music, or my Garmin and I may have an issue…LOL. 

So here we are…FOUR more days…to add in my always busy career…may my mind find peace and rest Friday night and Saturday so I can feel like I can do EPIC SH$#! 

I have been eating well all week, and getting what little rest I can with a busy career and two kids in school. My husband is completely irritated with me, probably because 1. I haven’t ran since Saturday and 2. Well, because I am a wreck.  But in a good way.

Cheers to all the runners, spectators, supporters, friends, family, and fellow bloggers who understand where I’ve been, and where I am at today.  XOXO
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T-5…I (think) know I am ready.

Movin' it with Michelle

I have always loved running.  I picked this sport as a 7thgrader because honestly I wasn’t good at many sports, and this one had the autonomy I needed.  I ran, and I ran for me…of course in Jr. High and High school you would get caught up in placing, but still, I ran for me and me alone. 

This was the one place I could be with myself in my head, inviting no one, and relishing in every thought I had or didn’t want to have.  I could push thoughts back, or push them to the forefront where I would deal, delve and devise plans for my success.  I was on the road, trails, treadmill or track and no matter the venue the run was mine alone. 

I didn’t run distance for the better part of my 20 years in the Air Force.  3 miles here, 7 miles there, but nothing to really get excited about until 2007 when I trained ‘quickly’ for my first ½ marathon.  I finished, and proudly strong…

Now, well, to now…

I have been training since December of last year.  I started very small, and worked my way up to running to ½ marathons.  One turned out terrible, and the second I redeemed myself with a 2:11 PR. 

This week is the last week before my Chicago full.  My 26.2 miles.  And I am so proud of all I have done, and all I have achieved. 

I watched “The Spirit of the Marathon” sent by my sister…and I cried.  Heck, I have been crying for a few days now.  My emotions are at an all time high.  Heck, what will I talk about after this?
 

 

Thank you, to you all…my 54 followers, my readers from facebook, and my family.  I am in awe.   

 

 
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T-6 days…really? The hay is in the barn.

Movin' it with Michelle

I know you will all be happy when this journey has found it’s finish so these countdowns will end, LOL. 

But in all honestly I am amazed by the rollercoaster ride this training has set me on in life.   And more so I wouldn’t trade the journey for the world.

I have found more strength in my heart and physically than I thought possible. 

I have met amazing friends while training that have helped me so much!

I have regained my self-esteem somewhat, and that is huge. 

I have realized who truly supports me, and the people that are just are fair weather friends. 

I have let some dreams go by the way side while training, but I know those dreams still await me.

I have listened and taken so much advice, and am thankful for Tylenol tonight.  Who’d of thought this magic little pill would take away my pain?  (Me not being a pill taker, this is awesome to find out!)

I have received my new knee brace in the mail, and am completely stoked. 

I have spent the weekend with my family and friends, and couldn’t honestly ask for more in life. 

I have stopped feeling sorry for myself, and have realized that only I can find my inner strength. 

I have allowed myself to lie on the couch and be lazy while watching football with my husband, and catching up on shows I haven’t watched in years.  I was in tears watching Grey’s Anatomy series premier from last week…WOW…

The pattern in this post is simple.  I HAVE.   No more what ifs, maybe someday or when the time is right…

I HAVE.  AND I WILL. 

So today after spending a lazy afternoon in my jammies I cleaned the house, did laundry and allowed myself the time to cook a nice dinner for my family.  While the hubby prepared steaks to grill, I made brown rice infused with Spanish saffron, garlic, green peppers, jalapeño, red onion, black eyed peas, and basil.  This was all sautéed in bacon which of course makes it better!  Everything was organic, and I drained the grease from the bacon so made it a touch healthier.  I added a side of steamed broccoli and dinner was served.  YUM.  My next goal is to write my own cook book…stand by!

Lastly I will say this. 

ONE MORE WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  CAN YOU BELIEVE IT????????? 

Best of luck to all my friends running on Sunday.  May you find your pace, feel the wind on your back, and your mind at peace.

The hay is in the barn. 

 
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T-9 days…wow…

Movin' it with Michelle

Ok, so I moved here last year and told my sister she HAD to do a marathon with me before I turn 40…she just HAD to…Although I have been running for nearly my whole adult life, a 13.1 distance was the farthest I had ever gone.  Ever. 

So back track now after one marathon that I registered for in 2010 and wasn’t able to complete, to now…8 months later and I can’t help but to smile. 

I will remember February 1st, 2012 for quite some time as this day was the day I made a choice, and haven’t turned back.  (See my post here on the night before signing up-http://chellesjourneys.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-got-thistomorrow-is-day.html

Bobbi and I planned it to get on the phone right when registration opened, and do it together.  Pretty darn epic if you ask me.  J  One…two…three…CLICK!  It was pretty cool. 

So now my mind is going in a million directions…

Where my mind is at just over a week out:

-Need to get my massage, and ASAP…my therapist is an expert in sports massage.  Have one scheduled for Thursday and she may squeeze me in tomorrow for an hour or so. 

-Keep the legs moving, even if it’s just walking/biking etc.  I don’t want to tighten up now.

-Focus on the health of my knee and IT band (which loves to aggravate my knee).

-Ordered my new brace, just waiting for it to come in.

-Broke down and ordered the CORRECT skirt with shorts underneath, just in case I happen to fall, I SURELY don’t want to flash everyone…GAH. 

-Reach out to fellow runners, family, and friends.  This is something I’ve dreamt of for AGES.  Since I was a kid.  This will be my moment, and no one better understands than fellow runners. 

-Remember that even if I get to a hard point in the race, my awesome friend Andrea (DO EPIC SHIT) will be down there at the 20 mile mark with promises of beer and Ibuprofen.  No, really.  J 

-Stalk the weather, but only in order to prepare NOT to stress.  Everyone talks of their love to run in the rain, and I am sadly not a fan.  But I will make the most of whatever Mother Nature gives us…(just please, NOT 90 degrees, and NOT pouring rain…I will say sure to sprinkles-K?)  Today Accuweather showed highs of 50’s and NO rain.  YAHOO!  Although I need to find sleeves as my outfit is a tank and skirt…

-Got my hair done.  Yeah, even if I look like I want to die, at least my roots are good to go. 
 

Last minute thoughts…

Thankfully I am very organized, so getting things together won’t be an issue.  I am thankful I signed up for a few races over the spring and summer so I could be more of a prepared “racer.” 

I am still in awe of the support I have gotten from my fellow runners through dailymile, my blog and the Fox Valley marathon crew. 

Lastly, while driving home from work today and embracing all of the beautiful fall colors the Midwest provides, I worked on envisioning myself finishing this marathon.  Often times I wonder, “Can I do this?” instead of saying, “YOU CAN DO THIS.”  So I pictured my sister, my friend Kyla and myself crossing the finish line…in doing so I had to choke back the tears.  No more self-doubt…nope.  I have trained, have listened to my body when I was hurting, and have prepared to the best of my ability.  

T-9 days…I got this…
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T-11 days…’Almost’ Wordless Wednesday

Movin' it with Michelle

Busy day at work.

Both kiddos coming down with…something.

Wish I lived in a bubble. 

Mind is full of, well crap.

Did a small fitness work out today.

Contacts, are, well, weird.  Today was my second evening of testing them out.  What the hell, a piece of plastic on my eyeball is supposed to feel normal?  Gosh I hope soon cuz I loath glasses. 

Tomorrow is my “let us squash your boobies” appointment to make sure the lump I felt was nothing.

Tapering, well, sucks.  Although gives your body the rest you need, I find it makes me feel lazy.  I am NOT lazy.  But resting is key.  Did what I could today.

Yup.  That’s it. 

Thanks, Jessy, for this…

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T-12 Days…It’s getting REAL!

Movin' it with Michelle

I said to my daughter, “Next weekend is the marathon…”  “The full Chicago marathon??”  I grinned, and said, “Yes…” “OMG Mom, are you excited?”, she questioned?  I smiled through my fear and said, “Mommy is nervous…”  She grinned, and said, “You are gonna do great Mom!” 

I could only smile…

BIG NEWS: We had our optometry appointments today, which I made ON her birthday so that we could get exams and fitted for contacts.  She’s been waiting for this for ages, and I felt ready as being so active makes glasses a pain in the rear for me.

After a couple hours of getting exams, practicing putting in and taking out the contacts the doctor sent us on her way with her blessing.  We are on a trial period to make sure we don’t react to them, as well as are comfortable with them which makes me feel at ease.  We finally finished up around 7:30 and as I drove home I caught the light of her smile in the corner of my eye although it was already dark outside…she was BEAMING from ear to ear in sheer joy of wearing contacts…all I could do was smile, knowing all was right in the world at that very moment.  I still “feel” them in my eyes, but I don’t have any pain so I am hopeful it is just my eyes getting used to wearing the contacts. 

KNEE UPDATES: Well, simply put its sore. I know it is partly due to a tight IT band, so I may turn in my rolling pin and go buy a foam roller tomorrow.  Some moments I feel ready for the marathon, and others I feel simply terrified.  I will continue to rest, ice, elevate and keep my brace on when I am on my feet. 

LIFE THOUGHTS:  Work will always be work…life will always have rollercoasters…our days will always be filled with “stuff”…

But, it is how we manage to incorporate these challenges into our lives, not the battle themselves.  So I say, live life each day to the fullest.  Ignore the joy stealers.  And relish in those who support you. 

For life will truly only be as good as we CHOOSE it to be. 

 

What is your choice?
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T-13 days, Disney quotes

Movin' it with Michelle

T-13 days

I am nostalgic tonight.  I wanted to run, but only walked two miles.  But I had to remind myself that it is the effort put forth, not the speed or miles necessarily. 

After having extra time to think today, I realized I have taken away so much from the simple, yet profound quotes of Disney/Pixar movies. 

From “Finding Nemo”

–“No. No, you can’t. Stop! Please don’t go away! Please? No one’s ever stuck with me for so long before! And if you leave, if you leave… I just, I remember things better with you! I do! Look! P. Sherman, forty-two… forty-two… I remember it, I do! It’s there, I know it is, because when I look at you, I can feel it. And-and I look at you, and I… I’m home! Please. I don’t want that to go away. I don’t want to forget. – Dory”

–This is such a profound quote…do you have that person that is your “home?” in your life…I am blessed to say I do…

“I’d rather die tomorrowthan live a hundred years without knowing you.”
-Pocahontoas

“For every to, there is a fro, for every stop there is a go and that’s what makes the world go round.”
-The Sword and the Stone

“When I’m with you, I-I don’t feel so alone.”
-Hercules

“Listen with your heart, you will understand.” – Pocahontas.

“Open your eyes, your heart can tell you no lies.” – Mulan

“Look for me reaching out to show. As sure as rivers flow. I’ll never let you go.” – Pete’s Dragon

And my favorite…

Mr. Edward Magorium: [to Molly, about dying] When King Lear dies in Act V, do you know what Shakespeare has written? He’s written “He dies.” That’s all, nothing more. No fanfare, no metaphor, no brilliant final words. The culmination of the most influential work of dramatic literature is “He dies.” It takes Shakespeare, a genius, to come up with “He dies.” And yet every time I read those two words, I find myself overwhelmed with dysphoria. And I know it’s only natural to be sad, but not because of the words “He dies.” but because of the life we saw prior to the words.
[pause, walks over to Molly]
Mr. Edward Magorium: I’ve lived all five of my acts, Mahoney, and I am not asking you to be happy that I must go. I’m only asking that you turn the page, continue reading… and let the next story begin. And if anyone asks what became of me, you relate my life in all its wonder, and end it with a simple and modest “He died.”
Molly Mahoney: [starting to sob] I love you.
Mr. Edward Magorium: I love you, too.
[picks Molly up, sighs heavily]
Mr. Edward Magorium: Your life is an occasion. Rise to it.

For my entire life, I have waited, succumbed to heart aches and troubles, and set aside my dreams. 

No longer.

I will finish this goal of my FULL marathon, and then move on to the next goal, whatever it may be…but I will not wait for a new day, another time, or the optimal time in life…

For life…is too short. 

Time to rise to the occasion…
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T-14 days…Happy Monday eve!

Movin' it with Michelle

My day was busy, yet uneventful…

I got up and bid Jordyn’s friends farewell after a very successful sleepover.    I had a hair appointment to get my hair trimmed and highlighted, but after arriving and seeing they were an hour behind I quietly came home irritated…

But then I stopped…really?  That upset over missing a hair appointment?  Yeah, my roots look terrible and I was looking forward to some long overdue “me” time, but heck…it’s only hair people.  I went nearly 20 years without getting my hair professionally done…what’s a few more days?

So I came home and tackled the laundry while playing on the computer.  I settled back into my jammies, and enjoyed cooking dinner for my family.  The hubby grilled steaks, and I made brown rice flavored with salt, pepper, garlic and turmeric.  We also had a bean salad we bought from Costco.  Score. 

I ordered myself a new knee brace as the last year has taken its toll on the one I currently own. 

I use Pro-tec knee braces, and love them!  Here is their website!

http://www.pro-tec-online.com/protec_PT70.html

Tomorrow I will run no matter the conditions, even if it is just a couple miles.  I don’t want to lose my stamina, and more importantly don’t want to lose everything I have worked for.  I know the next two weeks are tapering, but I still want to get my workouts in, while avoiding injury.

Lastly, I made our dinners for the week-a huge pasta primavera.  I use whole wheat gluten free pasta, as well as all organic ingredients when possible.  I marinated the chicken for 2 days in garlic, olive oil, and my favorite seasonings. 

I chopped 4 cloves of garlic, baby red, yellow and orange peppers, as well as half of a red onion.  Sautee until translucent, and add in the chicken.  Add the cooked noodles, a small pat of unsalted butter, and VOILA!  Yum, and my family has healthy meals for the week. 

I am still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that in 2 weeks I will have run a marathon at this time…just a year ago right now I was full of self-doubt…yet I have already ran 20 miles, TWICE.  Not much for some of you uber runners, but HUGE for me…

Yahoo!  May this week be a blessed week full of success, faith, hope, and the desire to be better at everything we do!!!  Xoxo!