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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!
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T-15 days

Movin' it with Michelle

Firstly, thanks to those that take the time to read my endless ranting…The next couple weeks will be without fail, a whirlwind of emotions.

Today, was an EPIC win day…I got to sleep in after consuming more wine than I probably should have, and having a conversation on the phone with my dear friend from the Air Force.  I woke up to having a 13 year old daughter, and I felt more blessed than I could have ever imagined.  We showered, dressed and hit Target so J could spend her birthday money…she got super cute clothes, and I got some amazing feety jammies.  Yes, I am still a child at heart.
 

I also got my sissy and I the brightest orange tanks ever created.  I am so excited to run this marathon with her.  Although I know this may be a “one and done” deal, I pray I finish strong. 
 

After we got home my neighbor called in distress because her car broke down so I quickly saved the day by picking her and her son up and taking them home.  I realized after running across the yard to her house that my knee was still in distress.  Bah.  (So while at Target we picked up a biking helmet for me, and I plan on biking tomorrow!)  I took some Motrin, added in some icy hot, and put my leg up for the afternoon. 

The girls were having a great time hanging out and being goofy in the backyard.  I snapped some amazing photos, and was able to get this one printed and framed via Walgreens.  I of course love surprises, so made them line up and close their eyes while I passed out their framed photos.  They were truly touched, and we had an awesome group hug. 
 

And now as the night closes, and the temperature is dropping I find myself in awe of my life.  It hasn’t been without struggle, but man-I am truly blessed.  I have an amazing husband, 2 awesome daughters, great friends, a beautiful home, and a great job. 

So now, in the quiet of the night as I listen to old school Dave Matthews Band I find myself nostalgic to a life I once had while appreciating my life now…God truly has a plan for us all, we just have to listen to His words…

With that, I thank you all for your support, love, and continued love.  I wouldn’t be where I am at today without you ALL. 

Next week I will bring back my miles, my heart, and my efforts. 
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T-17 days…thoughts and aspirations

Movin' it with Michelle

The countdown truly has its ups and downs, now doesn’t it?  With each day that passes I realize I am THAT much closer to achieving a HUGE goal of mine…yet the last two days of nagging pain leave me at a loss…

I had SO hoped to finish my training strong.  Yet I have to remember back to just a few short weeks ago when I did my TRAINING run of 20 miles, and could barely walk the last mile.  I was sick with a sinus infection, and was left feeling light headed, snotty, and well plain worn out afterwards. 

Yet I continued, and as I still deal with terribly sinus issues and allergies, I refused to quit. 

So I ran the best RACE of my life last weekend, and am now dealing with the aftermath. 

Simply said, I WANT to run…more so NEED to…laying on the couch watching television just ISN’T me…yet here I am…I have caught up on shows I haven’t watched in years.  I wish I could say this was ‘enjoyable’ but truly it’s just something to do to take up time before I heal. 

And now, I write…and am listening to one of my favorite songs by Josh Groban…”You raise me up…”

“When I am down oh, my soul so weary

When troubles come and my heart burdened be

Then I am still and wait here in the silence

Until You come and sit with me

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains

You raise me up to walk on stormy seas

I am strong when I am on Your shoulders

You raise me up to more than I can be.”
 

And with this, I pray…I pray for not only my strength and healing, but for the health of my family and friends.  We all have our own ailments, none of which are easy. 

But I have found with a little faith, God will see you through the most trying of times…You simply have to have faith, and believe. 

I have to stop doubting, and start believing…in MYSELF.  I can’t let these little setbacks, well, set me back.  No one said this process would be easy, but for great success, you must put forth great effort and have even more faith. 

So for now, I rest…I should be cleaning my house for my eldest daughter’s birthday party Saturday, but well, I seem to have lost my mojo this week.  With aching knees and a weary heart I will leave it to get done tomorrow. 

I will admit it’s hard seeing everyone on facebook and dailymile getting out there and getting their runs in…I pray I am not “too broken” to finish this…Yet it’s a blast cheering my fellow running friends on as they succeed! 

Run on my friends…in life, on the trails, and towards your goals!
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T-18 days

Movin' it with Michelle

This has been quite the year…

I started training for my full marathon, even before I signed up in February (I believe).  When I signed up, I had horrible knee and IT pain, but knew if I registered I would be committed to finishing.  My husband was gone for nearly half that year…but I refused to let it stop me.

TRUTHS:

-I don’t start things that I can’t finish.  I don’t make excuses.  And I don’t quit…

-I ran nearly 600 miles this year.  Not a lot for some, but HUGE for me…

But this last year hasn’t been without hardships, injury, or hard work. 

So here I am, 18 days out, and unable to run because I HAVE to listen to my body.  I don’t want to have trained this LONG, and not be able to finish…

Yet I find myself lost without the trails.  Without the breeze hugging me as I run through the Fox River trails…without the amazing wildlife that greets me on the trails.  I can have the roughest day imaginable, but a simple heartfelt run puts me back in the place I need to be to get things done.

So now, I wait…I ice, I rest, and I give my knee the ultrasound therapy it needs each night. 

If you have issues, check out this website:

http://www.mendmyknee.com/mendmyknee-portable-ultrasound-therapy-benefits.php

This has truly changed the health of my knee.

I recommend this site highly for those who suffer as I do…

My last post talked of healthy eating habits, and yeah, I failed miserably eating a chili dog today.  Bah.  This 5 lbs. (more like 10) has to go, and NOW.  The weight is truly taking its toll on my body…I haven’t weighed this much since giving birth to my last child.  BAH. 

I have lived in St. Charles for just over a year now, and am starting to find my place…I just hope as the new girl I can fit in with the running crowd as I’ve met so many amazing people. 

I may not hit the roads tomorrow, but I will do my best to rest, recover, and regain my strength for Chicago.  My sub 5hr race is within reach.  I just need to focus, train, and not let anything get me down. 
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T-19 days, and counting…

Movin' it with Michelle

T-19…

My last few LONG runs, I have let myself rest for several days.  Let’s be real, and admit that my knees are old, and have more miles on them then I care to count.

But today, I finally got the appointments for my mammogram and ultrasound, and admittedly needed to run.  I have often thought it was the trees, birds, wildlife in general as well as the path that called to me for these runs.  But I realized tonight, it was I who needed this release.  I needed to clear my mind, my heart, my HEAD of all that was swimming inside of me, yet as I started this run I knew I may not have success.  Yet I got off of work, picked up my youngest and after getting home, quickly changed into my running gear before I could change my mind. 

I drove the 15 minutes to my favorite windmill just outside of Batavia, and parked my jeep.  I was feeling a little discombobulated, but I hit the trails and battled the ever hated first mile.  I kept trying to tell myself the first mile always sucks.  But as I crossed the bridge over the Fox River to loop back, I realized I plain, HURT.  My knee, my Achilles, my IT band and everything else in between was screaming at me…My breathing was fine, but that is about the only good thing I can say about this ‘run’ if you can call it a run…

I stopped at around 2.5 miles, and with tears in my eyes and a mile to go I walked…I turned my Runtastic app off, shut down my Garmin, and sadly hung my head.  Just two days ago I RAN 20 miles, with only minimal stops to stretch, pee, and get through the water stops without pouring water all over my face.  I made myself run another ¼ mile to the Jeep, and crawled in after a few stretches.

Driving home I was in tears and the sheer pain I felt in my knee from just pressing down on the gas pedal put my emotions into overdrive. 

I know this is slightly normal, but I had hoped all of my training would leave me strong for my 3 week taper.  Not so much…

So I took a hot shower, and washed off all the negative vibes.  I propped my knee up on a pillow on the couch, and gave myself 2 ultrasound therapy treatments.  It is feeling slightly better, so I hope another day or two of rest and I’ll be back on the trails. 

Goals for the next 3 weeks:

1.      Taper smart and taper strong. 

2.      Keep running my short runs fast and long runs easy.

3.      Drop at least 5 lbs with a healthy diet and hopefully a smaller appetite due to fewer miles.

4.      Listen to my body, yet don’t get lax.

5.      Ultimately finish the Chicago Marathon in less than 5 hours.  4:59 is acceptable. 

A huge shout out to everyone who has commented and supported me, as well as my friend Sandy.  I WON a giveaway finally!!!  Check out her blog!!!  http://bostonboundbrunette.blogspot.com/ 

Happy hump day tomorrow, may you all have a blessed week, happy miles, and healthy limbs. 

Lastly, I AM NOT A ROBOT!  Please take that setting off your blog!  It makes it so hard to comment!  xoxoxo

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T-20 days…WHAT?????????

Movin' it with Michelle

 
First off, lessons learned from my 20 miler:

1.       Stick to what you know, and what you’ve trained for over the last 15+ weeks. 

2.      Get to the race EARLY…it gives you time to get rid of pre-race jitters.

3.      Run with people you love, and support EVERYONE at the race.  We all have an amazing story.

4.      Stick not only to what you know, but the routine you’ve set for yourself.  I always lay my clothes out the night before, and have my fuel bag packed so all I have to do it get up and GO.  I could tell you what works for me, but we are all very different…

5.      Have fun!  Serenade your running partners if you see them struggling…trust me, this works…LOL. 

6.      In those last few miles when you want to quit, shut your mind OFF, embrace the scenery, and PUSH yourself…even if it’s a training run, ALWAYS PUSH YOURSELF to the limits you have set. 

7.      You will have aches and pains…DUH…running anything over a handful of miles isn’t easy.  But no one said this would be EASY.  Take the time to stretch out if needed, but never, ever let yourself succumb to the wonkiness.  Yes, I just said wonkiness. 

8.      Lastly, appreciate the spectators, volunteers, and fellow runners.  There is nothing better than a ‘thank you, good job, or way to go’ heard and told by everyone!  Oh, and don’t say, “you are almost there!” to folks who still have a couple miles to go…WAIT til the last mile, when this statement is actually true.  J

Next off…I need a new name for my blog.  Here in 20 days I WILL have completed 26.2 before I am 40 but want to continue to write and hopefully inspire my fellow runners, family, and friends.  Ideas?  GO! 

Thirdly, I will admit that walking was a struggle today.  Yes, walking…LOL.  I got out of the car after my 1 hour commute and had a hard time walking into work.  I was the comedy relief at work today and got numerous comments from, “Do you need a walker?” to “Is there something impaled in your behind?”  BAHAHAH! 

BUT…when I came home and checked the mail, I saw THIS:
 

Heck, freakin’ yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

So tomorrow I will attempt a short short, SHORT 2-3 mile run and see how it goes.  I thanked God for the thunderstorms today because recovery miles were just not in the cards for me today. 

T-20 days people….get ready for some daily banter and anxiety!!!!!!!  I can’t wait!

My goal is 4:45, but I am realistic that I may not be able to keep my 20 mile pace up…but I have faith…yes…and hope…Who has the pixey dust???

Future races include the Dick Pond Cocoa 8-miler on 10/13, and the Hot Chocolate 15K on 11/4!  I plan on keeping my races steady, but smaller until spring time hits.  I still can’t say if I will be in the “one and done” club, or if I will attempt a second marathon.  If I choose to do a second, I know it will be the Fox Valley FULL next year!  YAHOO! 

Thanks to everyone for your amazing support.  Seriously.  I am in awe and in tears still after reading the comments and reliving yesterday’s race.  It truly was amazing.  xoxo