Uncategorized

20 mile race recap-TAPER TIME

Movin' it with Michelle

This week has been a whirl wind with busy work schedules; single Mom duty because my husband was in the field for Army training, and a slight lack of running…

I am not your typical runner in training.  I can only run 3 times, 4 times tops per week.  My knee just won’t tolerate any consecutive miles, and thankfully I know my body pretty well.  I also listen to what my body is telling me, for the most part. 

So I started this 18 week training plan months early, getting a couple ½ marathons under my belt, all while slowly building up my long runs.  I joined the Fox Valley Marathon training runs when I was at the 14 mile mark for long runs, and honestly believe they changed my life-for ways of the better.  I was nervous to meet up with ‘strangers’ but my friend Rob from daily mile talked me into it, and the rest is well, history…

Not all of my training runs went well…well DUH you say…but just throwing out a bit of honesty in this post.  Some HURT, some mentally mind jacked me, and some just left me feeling as if I couldn’t run another mile…

But MANY of my training runs were amazing, outstanding, and thrilling to say the least as I was surrounded by family, friends, and fellow runners who I am learning are an added family in my life. 

But back to the recap…J

I was blessed to have my Dad show up the evening before, and he entertained my girls while I had dinner with Carolyn at Francesca’s for the Dine and Dash with the race coordinators.  HOW FUN!!!! 

I woke up promptly at 5 a.m. to get up and ready for my sister to arrive at 5:30.  Thankfully the night before I set everything out so all I had to do was brush my teeth, wash my face, and get dressed.  I got the “we’re at your front door freezing” text from Bobbi around 5:28 so ran downstairs to let her inside.  We got our bibs on, bags packed and were out the door 20 minutes later so we could meet up with the Chicago Bloggers. 
 

How awesome to meet so many people that I have been following.  You ladies are amazing.  We were even blessed to have Kim (who just did a 50K yesterday) and Britt be there to cheer us on!  You ladies rock.  Hugs from my dear friend Carolyn, and Kyla made me feel ready to toe the line…

We lined up around 6:43, just in time for the National Anthem to be sang…I felt nervous, but strangely ready…And we were off…heading down the course I have training on all summer.  A few new twists and turns, but this was MY territory, and I loved every minute of it…

We were blessed to see friends and my family along the way…and this lifted my spirits ten fold…amazing what a smile, hug, or kiss from your girls can do to alleviate an aching knee!

And thanks to Andrea from Dailymile, for well, being EPIC. 
 

Bobbi and I held strong nearly the entire run…started to get sore towards the end so stopped to stretch a few times, but we ran the entire course.  Her stomach started acting up, but she stayed with me like a trooper and I couldn’t be more pleased that she ran this with me after her mileage from the week.  She’s a rock star!
 

We crossed the finish line, hand in hand, with our oldest daughters running us through the finish line…was truly, EPIC. 

I crossed the line in tears, but know this isn’t it for me.

 

 

The race coordinators, volunteers, and spectators were truly amazing…

And watching my friend Kyla cross the line with her family for her first marathon was amazing!  I jumped the fence to give her sweaty hugs, and I couldn’t be more proud of her!
 

 

Bring on Chicago in 3 weeks!  I then, will be a MARATHONER!!!!!  YAHOO!
Uncategorized

Pre-race jitters

Movin' it with Michelle

I’m not sure where the week truly went…I keep seeing posts for the race this weekend and realize I am mentally JACKED UP, and wondering if I can actually pull it together. 
See, once I am running, and at a comfortable pace-I just run-but only as long as I am mentally ready. 

Today…well…I’m not. 
And I have a 20 mile race THIS Sunday…GAH…I have to work Saturday, so hoping I can find time to rest. 

I am struggling to be honest.  And not with my mileage, more so the rest of the things this training schedule can do to a person.  Between that, and well, LIFE, I feel so discombobulated.  I wanted to run tonight to clear my head…I knew I NEEDED IT…

But after quite the day at work, and then getting a text from my eldest at 3:50 p.m. saying she missed the bus, I realized my night may be challenging.  I left work around 4:10, and picked up my youngest from day care.  I walked in trying to figure out what all the commotion was about, and well, yeah…it was MY daughter that caused the fuss.  She decided to come inside from the playground and lock herself IN side the school, of course locking all the teachers outside.  BAH.  Really???

So needless to say, my run didn’t happen.  We grabbed some dinner and both my wonderful children were on lock down from the day’s happenings and added attitudes.  Oh yeah, and my husband is away again for the next 4 days. 

I thought hey, I will immerse myself in cleaning because THAT always clears my mind, but sadly I don’t even want to clean.  I settled for tacking laundry, and am now listening to oldies trying to regroup. 

I’m still awaiting appointments for a mammogram and an ultrasound, so that I suppose isn’t helping my nerves…

And then my eldest snapped at me tonight, and instead of being a Mom and even keel, I snapped back.  Gah.  Mom of the year award NOT won tonight. 

So with that, Lord I ask you for patience, strength, and focus to make each day count.  I ask this, because our time is too short here on earth to waste it with unhappy or negative feelings.  Thank goodness for those who have my back, give me support, and are my sounding boards. 

Tomorrow truly is, a new day. 

❤ Chelle
Uncategorized

Monday Meals and Miles!!

Movin' it with Michelle

Today I had five miles on deck-well, technically tomorrow but we have curriculum night at my youngest daughter’s school at 6:30 so I knew I needed to get it done.  My mind has been in a million places, and I hoped and prayed this run would help clear my head, and my heart. 

Before running I decided to make a yummy carb filled dinner.  As many of you know, I am not a big carb eater, but am trying to fuel up for this weekend.  An always well-known fact is that although I am addicted to cook books and magazines with recipes, I NEVER follow a recipe exactly.  I read the information to help me be a better cook, and get ideas for my own meals. 

So tonight I sautéed 4 cloves of garlic, and a handful of baby portabella mushrooms which I sliced evenly over a pan of hot extra virgin olive oil.  I seasoned the mixture with kosher salt, pepper, and herbs de Provence.  (sp?)

While everything was getting lightly browned, I boiled some water for the pasta and chopped up the chicken thighs.  I added the chicken to the pan, and seasoned it as well.  Once nearly cooked I added about 4 dollops of greek yogurt and a teaspoon of creamy horseradish.  I let this simmer until the noodles were ready, and incorporated everything together.  Lastly, I topped it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and mixed on last time.  YUM!  The only thing I would have changed is adding whole wheat pasta instead, but unfortunately I was out…
 

I let my meal settle for an hour (only had a small portion) and got ready to run.

Something felt different in this one…As my miles were behind me, my speed picked up…I would have doubted my running app, but I know the course far too well as it’s my “near home course” that I do in a pinch when I can’t drive to the trails.  I knew at mile 4 I needed to slow down to  make it up the last hill, LOL!

Elevation loss
1.00 mi
9:7 min/mi
6.58 mph
9:31
16 ft
13 ft
2.00 mi
9:32 min/mi
6.29 mph
19:02
0 ft
29 ft
3.00 mi
8:10 min/mi
7.34 mph
27:07
29 ft
9 ft
4.00 mi
6:54 min/mi
8.69 mph
34:09
9 ft
16 ft
5.00 mi
9:12 min/mi
6.52 mph
43:04
32 ft
0 ft
5.65 mi
9:0 min/mi
6.66 mph
48:48
0 ft
16 ft

 

I kept saying this had to be a fluke…truly…I haven’t ran a 7 minute mile since I was about 21 years old.  WOW. 

This helped me mentally, and physically…amazing how runs can do that…
had to capture this sunrise…breathtaking indeed!
 

Thanks as always for the amazing support…may you all feel as blessed as I do every single day.

 

❤ Chelle
Uncategorized
Movin' it with Michelle

 

In one week I will perform in my longest race to date.  I have trained for this mileage, but not without illness or injury.  So this post is dedicated to my sister who will be my cheering squad the entire way.  Between her, and my running buddies, I know I can finish.
Her blog can be found at:http://zeroto26point2.blogspot.com/

With that being said, Bobbi…this is what I request from you…
our last race, in Schaumburg, IL

When I want to quit…don’t let me. 

When I want to cry…make me laugh.

When my legs want to give out…give my mind the added boost to keep going.

When my heart says no…tell me yes…because you have done this so many times already.

When my knee/IT band ache, let me stretch, but don’t let me give up…

When the sweat bears down and creates tears in my eyes, help me find my smile. 

When I want to give up, remind me that just last November I ran/walked a mile, and could barely finish two miles. 

When I say I hate running, remind me that I truly love it more than most anything. 

When I am quiet, focused, and in the zone, know your presence helps me SOO much. 

I have run this course so many times I can barely count…yet each time I run the Fox River trails I find something new to relish in and about…Help me continue to see this next Sunday. 

Please…

Stay by my side…don’t let me quit, and know how much you mean to me…We may not always see eye to eye, but we are bonded in sisterhood, and I feel blessed to say I am running another race with YOU. 

 

This post, is dedicated to my sister.  Who ran her first FULL marathon in 2010.  I hope to follow in her footsteps.  Xoxo
Uncategorized

5K recap!!!

Movin' it with Michelle

Life, well, is never easy…but I’ve found that if we focus on the good, and strive to work on the bad, life just keeps getting better.
I tend to beat myself up, well, over most every aspect of my life.  Be it wife hood, motherhood, career, or goals I set for myself I truly always want to do my best.  This doesn’t always happen of course, but I keep picking myself back UP. 

Tonight I ran the “Dash in the Dark” 5K race located in St. Charles, IL-my home town.  Today, I spent the day with my husband and youngest daughter hanging out and enjoying the beautiful weather…Is fall really upon us?  Gosh I hope so!!

We ate lunch at our favorite pizza/pasta place in Geneva called, Aurelio’s.  I had a small plate of pasta and enjoyed walking the streets of Geneva with my family.  We came home around 4:00, and I spent the next hour and a half just resting on the couch with my youngest.  I had hoped to get in a nap, but instead just enjoyed cuddle time with S. 

At 6:00 I got up and got dressed and got ready for the race.  I hadn’t truly planned on racing, but well, my competitive nature got the best of me.  I met up with Carolyn and her brother and we took some prerace photos. 

The sunset was amazing, so had to capture this as well…

At 7:30 p.m. the gun sounded and we were off…I don’t tend to run well with others when I am trying to focus, so Carolyn and I said our goodbyes and I took off…
The first mile was basically a warm up, and I finished that mile in 9:20, I was feeling good and starting to stretch my legs out…I passed several runners, but concentrated more on my breathing and pace.  Around the mile and a half mark I was blessed to see Carolyn and with a quick wave and smile we kept running…Mile 2 put me at a 9:00 mile, and I felt great despite my sinus’s draining.  I wasn’t going to let anything stop  me!  I actually don’t recall a race other the Chicago half where I felt so focused, and it honestly felt GREAT.  My mind has been in a million places lately and my prerace nerves were put to rest.  Mile 3 I was at an 8:42 pace, so I hit the ground running the last .1 miles…I HAD this…
And as I approached the finish line, I saw my husband, my dear friends Anna and Wayne, and my youngest cheering me on!  What an awesome sight…I pushed through, and finished around a 28:10 total pace.  A NEW PR for me!!!!
I couldn’t be more pleased, and am still giddy an hour later.  It was awesome watching Carolyn cross the line around a 35:00 pace which she totally rocked! 

Often times we need these small feats of success to keep pushing forward.  YAHOOOOOOOOOO!
Thanks for all the amazing support.  XOXOXO

<3Chelle

Uncategorized

Truly Thankful Thursday

Movin' it with Michelle

This post may be all over the place, so bear with me in advance.   

I am thankful for my life, with its ups and downs, crazy turns, and all the stops and starts that have happened over the years.  Often times we think life has gotten the best of us, yet a kind word, a shoulder of support, or simply someone saying “How are YOU today” can go so far.  I have an awesome support system despite some twists and turns, and I see that daily as certain events happen.

I wasn’t going to post this…but I need to get it off my chest so it will possibly seem less scary.  Last weekend, I found a dreaded “lump” in my right breast.  I haven’t told hardly anyone, but it became real today when I got an appointment with one of our best breast surgeons at Edward Hospital.  I was scared, more so terrified to even ask for help getting an appointment, but when I went to one of our head Pathologists today-he made the call immediately and showed me true concern.  My appointment is on Tuesday, and I would SO appreciate your thoughts and prayers.  Back up nearly 20 years, and know that I have had 2 lumps removed in the past.  One was found when I was 21 and one when I was 27.  Both were benign, thank goodness, but with a Grandmother who passed due to breast cancer I am forever diligent in my monthly self-exams.  I see women of all ages DAILY get diagnosed with breast cancer, and have lost a couple dear friends to the same disease at ages younger than myself.  (I implore ALL women to do their monthly checks…please!).  The lump is small, pea sized in fact, but it is firm-and it’s apparent, so I will see what the doctor says next week. 

So, with that being said, today I am thankful for my health and pray this again is a “nothing.”

I ran today…I wanted to try and squeeze in my long run, and managed an amazing QUICK 8.34 miles.  My garmin is pissing me off, so I used my runtastic app, and held strong the entire run.  I stopped every 3 miles to drink and fuel, and took salt caps at mile 5.  I even managed a 10K PR of 59:50ish.  YAHOO!!!!  I mentally needed this run, and felt with each step myself getting stronger.  I went to my favorite place to run on the Fox River, and just let the path lead me…I was going for 6 miles just in case my sinus’s acted up or my knee got wonky, but the farther I ran, the better I felt.  I almost shot for 10 miles, but lost sunlight so called it at 8.34 miles. 
My favorite place to run!  Right along the Fox River

 
New Kicks, breaking in for my upcoming races
 

Back tracking just a touch, I am also thankful for my job, my home, and the food that is always on my table.  As I ran, I turned the corner and say the food pantry in Batavia lined up with dozens of people.  I tried to smile at them as they watched me run past the line, but they heartache in their eyes hurt me to the core.  May I never complain about traffic, a busy day at work, or burnt chicken on the stove.  It’s just not worth it…I am truly blessed. 
❤ Chelle
Uncategorized

Monday without miles

Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t ran in 6 days…first off, I am battling a terrible sinus infection that just seems to want to hang on with every ounce of literal crap it can…bah.  My knee was bugging me quite badly until today, so I am hoping the rest was all I needed!

But I was blessed this weekend to get a TON done, and be able to spend time with family and friends. 
Yesterday was mad cleaning, and crazy grocery shopping to prepare for our reaffirmation of a healthy lifestyle.  We spent a pretty penny, but stocked up on organic meats, fresh veggies and fruit, and already had a HUGE bag of brown rice in the pantry.  I know they say weight gain during training is normal, but I am NOT a fan of having tight fitting clothes, and refuse to buy new stuff.  As my close friends know, I am very frugal with my money and normally only shop consignment.  Wasting money on new clothes isn’t an option. 

So today was a nice LAZY day.  Other than washing bed clothes, I didn’t do a darn thing.  I even spoiled myself by watching a movie on the couch…”Lucky one” was a must see!

Then it was time to cook…My FAVORITE thing in the world to do besides spending time with family and friends, and running of course. 

On the menu was baked salmon with my Asian inspired sauce, fresh chopped salad with peach vinaigrette dressing, and basil infused brown rice.  YUM. 

My Asian inspired sauce consisted of a plethora of ingredients, of which I can’t totally recall but I’ll try. 
In a bowl I put in a 1/4 stick of butter, crushed red pepper flakes, celery salt, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, Chinese allspice, garlic, hoisin sauce, and lemon zest. I melted this in the microwave, and applied liberally to two large salmon fillets.  I baked the salmon at 350 for about 25 minutes until it flaked off of a fork. 

While the salmon baked, I started up my rice cooker with brown rice.  I add just a pat of unsalted butter, dry basil, and kosher salt and pepper.  Set it, and forget it…I only stir once, maybe twice during the cooking process. 

Finished rice!  Was delicious!

I then prepared the vinaigrette dressing, by chopping up a fresh peach, adding white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper, lemon juice and zest, and just a touch of the hoisin sauce.  I put it all in the food processor and let it rip until finely pureed. 

first stages of puree
 

Once it is completely pureed, it is time to strain…sometimes you have to work it through the strainer by using a spoon or whisk, but just be patient.  It is well worth it!

Add a touch of salt and pepper to taste, and VOILA, you have a fresh peach vinaigrette.  It was a hit by my hubby, so I was pleased.  While the dressing was straining, I prepared my salad.  Add whatever you like, but I used fresh romaine, peppers, red onion, cucumber, radishes, and cherry tomatoes that I halved.  Sprinkle with a touch of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and you have an awesome salad.  Don’t forget to sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper!  It gives that added YUM factor. 

Take out the salmon, and I always let it rest a few minutes…

This was melt in your mouth, with a touch of heat GOODNESS.  The whole family enjoyed this meal…

So although I wasn’t able to run, I know maybe this was God’s sign that I needed a little break from training.  I’ll get out there and run tomorrow, snot rolling down my face and all…I have a 5K this weekend that I am pretty excited about…My first small race, and it’s called “Dash in the dark” in downtown St. Charles. 

I hope you all had a blessed holiday weekend, and hope as well for strong runs, healthy friends and family, and many blessings to you all! 

<3Chelle

Uncategorized

20 Mile Madness…COMPLETE!!!

Movin' it with Michelle

As most of you know I have been struggling all week with a sinus infection, therefore unable to run any of my short runs.  But this morning I KNEW I needed to get my 20 miles in, mentally, and physically.

I attempted to go to bed at 9 last night, and tossed and turned for 2 hours.  I wasn’t feeling well, and was nervous to say the least.  But my clothes were set out, and my alarm was set.  Nothing was going to stop me from finishing this milestone with my running group. 

I arrived at Dick Pond promptly at 6:15 a.m. and was greeted by other runners.  I met up with my new running buddy and friend, Kyla, and we decided to head into the store to browse for a few minutes.  She forgot her compression sleeves, so she bought a set and let me use the extra one for my right leg.  I am not sure if it made a difference or not, but we looked pretty darn cool with matching sleeves. J
Kyla and I at the start!
 

We started out strong with the 11 minute mile pace group and held strong until about the ten mile mark when we stopped for a pottie stop.  After refueling with my second shot blok and salt and suddenly felt like I was going to lose it.  Yes, lose it as in throw up…so we slowed down, walked some, and I regained my composure. 

Most of our runs have been filled with laughter, singing, and just all around fun.  But this run was different.  We were both focused, and hurting (me so more than her) and by mile 18 I wanted to give up.  Mentally I was screwed, and physically I was just wanted to crawl on a park bench and cry.  But Kyla cheered me on through my near tears, and although we had to walk the last ¼ mile, we finished.  20:05 miles in 4 hours and 3 minutes. 

WE DID IT!!!  Am I mentally ready for 26.2?  Gosh, don’t ask me that today…I wish I could say YES…but I know once I feel better I will regain my confidence. 
Us, at the finish, 92 degrees and HOT!
 

Lastly,

The race coordinators of the Fox Valley marathon and all of these training runs have completely changed my life.  They’ve renewed my love for running more than I ever thought imaginable, and they’ve given me the support I needed to get this far in my training. 
The best group of runners I know!!!!!
 

Thanks to you ALL who continually support and cheer me on through this crazy journey…I love you all dearly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Uncategorized

Sunday FUN-day!

Movin' it with Michelle

I went to bed early last night in preparation for today’s long run…well, early for me at least as it was before 11 p.m.  I was lucky enough to spend a fun day with my family, spread out between shopping with my eldest for school and watching a movie at night with the family.  We watched Hunger games (my youngest only watched before the ‘fighting’) and ate popcorn…couldn’t get better.  I ended the night with some conversation with my husband, trying to squeeze in that last bit of time before he leaves for the week due to work. 

The kids are ready for school which starts this week…wow, I have a 1stand 7th grader…where has the time gone?  Sigh…

I had an amazing run today with Kyla…we met in downtown St. Charles at 7 a.m., and I was able to meet her friend, Christine as well.  Sadly Christine had to bow out around the 2ndmile due to IT band issues, but Kyla and I pressed on.  We had 12 miles on deck, and we wanted to finish strong.  We hit the trails running, and had a great plan.  Every 4 miles we’d fuel up, stretch, and move forward. 

My splits were as follows…10:51, 10:47, 10:43, 10:18, 10:29, 10:25, 10:38, 10:17, 10:24, 10:10 (!!!), 10:33, 10:10.  We could’ve ran 13 miles, but we were tight, and decided we’d walk the last mile to stretch things out.  We had a blast, truly…and were blessed with seeing Carolyn twice and getting sweaty hugs, LOL!  The running community truly is amazing…

We were welcomed with chipmunks, birds, and the beauty of the Fox River along the way, as well as great conversation and wondering why the heck people don’t say hi when you say good morning.  REALLY?  If you are going to be out there in the beauty of these trails, by gosh ENJOY IT!  We had to laugh…

Around mile 10 I broke into song singing Sugarland, and got the goofy stares from people…LOL! 

I came home afterwards, showered, and made myself 2 eggs for breakfast…look what I found! 

I tried to settle in and take a short nap, but after nearly 2 hours of tossing and turning I wondered if I’d be able to sleep.  Thankfully I was able to drift off, and my awesome husband did laundry and took care of the kids.  I woke up feeling NOT sore.  YAY! 

Side note, my sis and I decided to be “matchy matchy” for our next two races.  Check out our outfits!  LOVE!

We will be wearing this skirt, with the orange top, my favorite color, YAY!!! 

Bring on the week and my 20 miler on Saturday!!
Uncategorized

Monday Musings and such

Movin' it with Michelle

I got home Saturday night from our wonderful Disney trip.  It was hectic, chaotic, but most of all MUCH needed time with my family.  We didn’t get home until nearly 8 p.m. but after feeding the kids and starting laundry I knew what I needed to do.  I set my running clothes out for my long run Sunday.  Could I really accomplish running 18 miles after only walking for a week?  I had hoped so…because thankfully I tracked my miles, and we literally walked our tails off in all of the parks. 

Let me back track just a tad, although I won’t overwhelm you all with pics of my trip.  Feel free to check out my Facebook page, it is loaded with pictures. 
My FB link

Let’s just say there is nothing better than seeing your kid’s faces light up when they meet their favorite characters, or go on their favorite ride.  It truly was worth every penny we spent.  I got teary several times during the week; admittedly…I’ve learned throughout the years that my family and close friends truly are my constant in life.  And I do my best to cherish them all the very best I can.  But even I, well, make mistakes.  Lose my temper.  Raise my voice.  Bah…I constantly work on being a better mother and friend…but more times than not, I fail.   

With that, I also learned today that you should always have hope in life.  But sometimes your hopes can get shattered.  We can’t always be the best at our jobs, be it career outside the home, or life inside the home.  But with each shattered hope comes a new found drive to be BETTER, to DO BETTER. 

So back to my long run…

My clothes were set out, Garmin charged and playlist updated before I went to be on Saturday night.  My husband doubted I would get up after our week’s travels…But I got up, dressed, and drove to the meeting spot for the Fox Valley Marathon running group’s spot. 

I was nervous, but excited to hit the road.  Funny how we long for that run in order to clear our minds, bodies, and souls of the stress that gets built up without that ‘release.’

Mile one I was trying to find my groove, and around mile 2 I met a wonderful fellow runner named Kyla.  Her running partner had to bail, and she asked if we could run together.  I warned her I wasn’t the best running partner as I am so used to running alone but she was happy as long as we stayed on pace.  By mile 4 we were laughing and joking and the miles seemed to effortlessly fly by.  We hit our water stop at mile 6ish, and took our fuel and she gave me some salt tablets which helped tremendously.  At around mile 9 we hit our turn around and we were excited we were halfway done.  Mile 10 came and went, and I started to struggle around mile 12.  My right front ankle has been very tight, I assume to do my Achilles tendons being VERY tight, so I stopped to stretch a couple times.  I truly didn’t want to walk…but after mile 14 and some treacherous hills, I knew I needed to walk just a bit.  We hit mile 16 knowing we only had TWO miles to go, and by mile 17 we were giddy…singing songs, being silly, and just excited for our distance PR.  Once we turned the bend to where our group tent was set up, we picked up the pace and finished strong.  18.23 miles, COMPLETE.  To say I felt good today would be a lie and more so I look like an old woman that lost her walker.  But tomorrow will be better, and I will get back out there and run.