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Let FULL Marathon training, BEGIN!

Movin' it with Michelle

I took the better part of the last 2 weeks OFF…to just heal, rest, and regain my strength after full time training since December.  I needed this break, and took an amazing 5 day trip to see my lifelong friend, Jennifer (that I met nearly 20 years ago while serving in the Air Force together) who now lives in Oklahoma. 
A wonderful dinner and drinks at the Boulevard in OKC

The weekend was filled with talking, drinking, laughing, shopping, and just relaxing.  It was a much needed break after spending over 8 months alone with my kids this last year with literally no breaks, or help. 
us being silly while at Saks

Dorks

Me and Katerina at the pool party

Stavros and his pinata

I took today off to unpack, rest, and do some chores I had let go by the way side.  I set my alarm early to run, but my stomach had different plans, so I took some meds and went back to sleep for a couple hours. 

This training can cause havoc on one’s body, both emotionally and physically.  I see so many have amazing support from parents and friends, yet I ran my last race without a cheering squad.  Yet I didn’t let it stop me, nor will I let myself sit in a funk about it any longer…

So today I laced up my shoes after cooking dinner, and set out for 4 miles…and I did it, aching knee, running nose, and wonky stomach…(I’m sure all the CRAP I ate this past weekend didn’t help!  LOL)…

Week 1 is officially ON, and I pray to keep my physical and emotional strength high! 
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A redo-of Marathon Monday…

Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t run in over a week now…

I feel sluggish, sore, and tired.  But I figure sometimes we need to hit a low, to progress to our “high”…

I have spent the better part of 8 months (separated by 6 months, 4 months each stint) alone and as a single Mom.  I enjoyed nearly ALL of this time, because I was able to not only bond with my girls, but to find a strength in myself I didn’t know I had due to lack of physical support.  You always think people will come to your aid in times of need, yet often times you are left to deal with things, life, etc. on your own.  And I’ve done it, 100% me, all the while the last 4 months training for TWO half marathons. 

Yeah…nothing is impossible…

But we all hit our breaking point, and physically and emotionally I am spent.  So although my marathon training was due to start this past week, I am giving myself a bit of a break to take a deep breath and start over. 

I fly out Wednesday to my best friend’s house, and our major plans include a whole lot of NOTHING…relaxing, talking, and enjoying time. 

Marathon Monday will recap next week…although I was sad to see on daily mile I hadn’t posted in 6 days…I DO realize, we all need a break. 

Can’t wait for my well-deserved break on Wednesday!
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Five things this Friday

Movin' it with Michelle

1.       I haven’t ran in 6 days…I had planned to, well, several times…but an aching knee, car breaking down, allergies kicking my butt, and well-LIFE getting in the way seemed to stop me from my previous plans.  (Lord willing I will at least do a short neighborhood run tomorrow).  I will save you from sharing a pic, but my nose looks like Rudolph’s twin from blowing it so much…GAH!

2.       BEST of luck to all the people I know running the Grandma’s marathon this weekend…this race is near and dear to my heart as I grew up watching marathoners, and since have falling in love with the sport of running.

3.       I have ran 332 miles in the year 2012…this is HUGE for me…may my knee hold out for just a few more months!  Most of which I did as a single Mom…so for that, I am proud…Nothing can stop me now! 

4.      Giving a pedicure to yourself, with “runners feet” is not pretty…One ½ toenail, and some major callouses made my night quite challenging.  I refuse to torture any sweet lady in the nail salon to look at my feet….NO WAY…

5.      Tomorrow my family and I are going to our first Cubs game at Wrigley Field.  This is a Father’s day present to my husband, and we are so uberly stoked.  Yes, I said uberly. 

I could add number 6…that car repairs and bills, and life is HARD…but those tidbits don’t deserve a number in my week.  They are THERE, yes…but I just can’t dwell on em…each day is step forward, and I won’t let the ‘crap’ get me down. 

May you all have a wonderful weekend, and happy running!

❤ Chelle
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Monday, and marathon training…here..we…go!

Movin' it with Michelle

I wanted to give myself a few days off before I ramped up with marathon training….but my 20 miler is creeping up fast…

Schedule looks as follows…

Date
Miles
Start
Notes
Saturday
June 16
meet at 6:15
run at 6:30 AM
10 miles
(5 mi Half)
(Map) TBD
Dick Pond
St. Charles
303 N. 2nd St. (Route 31)
St. Charles, IL
water and toilets in parks
Sunday
July 1
12 miles
(6 mi Half)
(Map) TBD
TBA
water and toilets in parks
Sunday
July 15
14 miles
(7 mi Half)
(Map) TBD
TBA
water and toilets in parks
Saturday
July 28
16 miles
(8 mi Half)
(Map) TBD
TBA
water and toilets in parks
Sunday
August 12
18 miles
(8 mi Half)
(Map) TBD
TBA
water and toilets in parks
Saturday
August 25
20 miles
(10 mi Half)
(Map) TBD
TBA
water and toilets in parks

This…truly makes me nervous.  As I have just finished icing both knees, and massaging with Blue Emu cream…I can’t help but to hear those scary voices inside my head saying, REALLY?  ARE YOU MAD???  

But, all I can do is my best…push forward, relish in the 2 days of rest I had, and lace up my shoes tomorrow. 

Let the miles, begin!  Thanks to those who support and cheer me on, your encouragement is needed, welcomed, and appreciated!
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Movin' it with Michelle

“Tell me I can’t…and I will work harder to prove you wrong…” (me)

I am still in awe of yesterday.  I won’t compare my times to anyone else; because this was the best race I have EVER run…I am still on cloud nine….

I poured myself out of bed this morning, after waking up several times to sore, well, everything…LOL.  I drew myself a nice hot Epsom salt bath, and soaked long enough to be able to run errands with the girls as Brian was at his reserve duty.  I have to give him a shout out for doing nearly a 10 mile road march…yeah, we were both gimping tonight, LOL…

But the day ended well amidst my daily arguments with my eldest.  Seems the older your kids’ get, the harder they are to deal with…but tomorrow is a new day and hopefully she will realize I am not so bad one day…LOL. 

After our errands we got out the sprinklers and I let them have fun in the water since it was a balmy 95 degrees and we don’t have a pool.  I didn’t last long as I am still a bit dehydrated from yesterday, but it was fun to watch them on the slip and slide, hehe!

I am hoping tomorrow for a run, but am playing it by ear…want to give myself a week or two break before my official MARATHON training plan starts.  On a good note, I ended yesterday’s race WITHOUT A SINGLE BLISTER.  YAHOO!  I think I finally found the right shoes. 

My long term goals are:

To make this marathon the best I can make it…to FINISH strong.

To become a more seasoned ½ marathoner, because this is where I find my joy…Someday I hope to break the 2 hour mark!

To take some cooking lessons, as I’d love someday to be a true Chef.

To keep the focus on ME when running, because this is mine, and MINE alone.

To eventually purchase a piano and take lessons…

To continue to work on my house, and my garden, because I LOVE my home…

And lastly, to compile all of my writing and publish a book, even if it is an E-book. 

What are your long term goals???
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PR. Chicago Allstate 1/2 marathon

Movin' it with Michelle

I started this race with high expectations.

My last half was an uber fail, and I refused to repeat what happened 3 weeks ago.

So today, and the weeks before, I prepared…more so mentally than anything…

I’ve taken it “easy” the last few weeks, while mixing in my short and long runs.

I’ve made sure my shoes were the right fit.

I’ve updated my play list…because I love getting lost in the music…

And today, at 0345 my alarm went off, and I knew I was ready…

Tazo tea in hand with an apple ready to eat,

I drove to Carolyn’s house, just a few minutes away…

We hit the road running, and were excited for our race.

Sadly we weren’t able to get into the same corral, but we hugged,

Wished each other luck, and made our way. 

I started the race to the new American Idol’s song, Home…

And as I looked at the scenery surrounding me, I knew I was right where I should be…

I lost myself in the music and made sure this race was my own. 

“Love Lockdown” hit around mile 4, and I was in the zone…although I saw runners coming back, I knew the corrals were spread out. 

I didn’t let the runners passing me, or the runners I passed phase me…

I held steady, and I ran…

Mile 6 I took 2 Advil, and kept trucking…yeah, I had this…

“Hollaback girl” hit around mile 7, and I was thankful for the towels the race committee provided…I kept it wet and around my neck…NO one was stopping me now…

Around 8.5 miles I hit a GU chew, and realized I suck at math…crap; I still had a ways to go…

But “Don’t let me get me” by Pink played and I was rejuvenated around mile 9…

Mercy Me crept in around mile 9…”Move”…and hell yeah I was moving…I bypassed the 2:20 pacer, and I felt great….

Journey, “Don’t stop believing” hit me shortly after…and with the text messages from my best friend Jen cheering me on, I knew I had this…

Just…keep…the…pace. 

“For the first time” by the Script hit around mile 11…and this song speaks to what my husband and I have been through, so of course I picked up the pace….

Mile 12…”Bleed it out” by Linkin Park…yeah…I was giving it all I had and no one could stop me…bobbing and weaving in the pack I made my mark…

Mile 13…”Scream” by Usher…a song my husband and I love, and enjoy being silly to…

I came around the bend, and kicked it up…this truly was MY race…and it was amazing. 

I may have physically run it alone…but I wasn’t by myself for even a second…
So proud of my dear friend Carolyn for finishing strong!

An amazing day…I…am…truly blessed. 

Love and blessing to those who whole heartedly support me.  xoxo

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Tuesday, tapering, tid bits and triumphs…

Movin' it with Michelle

I have spent the better part of 6 months training to become a runner again…

This hasn’t come without falls, heartbreak, or trials…

But this week starts my tapering, and I am giving myself extra days to recoup while allowing my knee to rest. 

I will run tomorrow for National Runners day…GO US! 

I have hit road blocks in life…

But this week I feel like I am taking steps forward. 

My children are now 1st and 7th graders…really?

I will run this race Saturday with the best of my ability….

IPod in tow, and I will let the music and scenery take me where I need go…

I will continue to ice my knees, relish in my family and friends,

And focus on the finish line. 

I may not always finish strong…but I ALWAYS-FINISH. 

May Mother Nature give me a break…her 90 degree forecast has me nervous already. 

I spent nearly 30 minutes today on my new hammock, a gift from my husband…

And I re-found my peace amidst the breeze, the trees, and the birds singing. 

He may not read these blogs, but may he know of my love for him…

My life is truly blessed. 

My Tazo tea is prepared for tomorrow, and I look forward to another day of hard work,

Dedication,

And striving for my goals…

Thanks, for all of your support…
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The most mentally mind challenging run to date-here is my recap

Movin' it with Michelle

Race Recap

Pre-race night I officially was nervous, but I did my best to relax by just reading and icing my knee.  I went to bed at 9:45 p.m. which is unheard of for me, but was awoken at around 2 am by my youngest, and 4 am from storms…but I got up bright at early at around 4:45, dressed, and then fought to get my Pandora bracelet off for 10 minutes, LOL…those of you that know me know this is one of my most cherished pieces of jewelry that reminds me daily of the love I am blessed with by my best friend, Jen, and husband, Brian…but I feared I would maybe lose it so ran without it today.  (Note to self, don’t take it off again-needed my Mati). 

My dear friend Carolyn picked me up promptly at 5:45, and we were off to the race.   We made it there without a hitch, and passed my sister in the parking lot so no worries on finding each other!  Bobbi went and picked up her race packet while I hit the porta-potties and we got ready with sunscreen and some water!  We were ready!  One last stop at the pottie and we headed toward the start.   I was lucky enough to get stretched out by one of the stretching groups in a tent, and then we found the pacer we wanted to stick with at least the first few miles (10:05), and settled in.  A huge hug from Carolyn, and the race had begun…

Thankfully it didn’t take long to settle in and spread out, and I felt pretty good despite the sun beating down on us the first nearly 3 miles.  Once we crossed the highway, and hit the actual trails I thought to myself, “Ah, now I feel home” and we were cruising.  Average of about a 9:40ish pace, we ended up passing our pacer. 

I started to really feel the sun baking me around mile 5, so we quickly stopped for water and a pee break, and that is where I started to fall apart.  The sun was in full force (come to find out it was around 88 degrees), and the shade breaks were so minimal I found the mental mind game killing me.  I wanted to cry, stop, quit around mile 7-8…My goals of sub 2 were let go long ago due to my knee, but I really wanted to hit 2:10…that sadly was gone by the wayside too, and I felt crushed.  I worked SO FREAKIN HARD for a good race.  While working and being a single Mom these last 4 months I managed to get my runs in EVERY week.  And for THIS? 

But my sister’s encouraging words and hugs kept me going…trotting…walking…and sometimes running.  From point to point, we trudged through the miles.  And around mile 9ish I started to feel a bit better, but after hitting around 11.5 miles I knew I was done.  Stick a big blunt object in my eye…But she kept me going…didn’t let me quit, and as I saw that finish line my eyes filled with tears as we picked up the pace finding energy I thought I had lost-and we crossed the line holding hands. 
I can barely look at this picture without tearing up…you can see the pain in my face, and Bobbi talking me through it…

I nearly fell into Carolyn, and sobbed as she hugged me…I turned to my sister, and thanked her as I hugged her hard, but I don’t think she knows what this means to me…
But we finished!

Already planning for a redo here in the next few weeks…<3

Crazy thing, is my knee didn’t give me any problems at all!  Tight hammy, and toes that were crying, but the rest of me felt great.  Sadly the heat literally sucked the life out of me, and I just couldn’t catch my breath. 

But…there is always next time!  J
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Friday Fun Facts

Movin' it with Michelle

Friday Facts

Two days til my second ½ marathon! 

My Garmin is charged….

I am tweaking my play list…

I pick up my race packet tomorrow!  WHAT??

I have broken off most of my nails in anticipation…

I have had the hardest, yet most eye opening week to date since I have retired from the AF…I will take this information and strive to get stronger. 

I took an extra rest day to nurse my knee, and am happy for this decision. 

I should clean tonight, but I read for a couple hours instead, and just finished my pre-1/2 marathon pedicure…done by yours truly. 

I was able to have a heart to heart conversation with my husband tonight…he’s been gone for over 4 months now, and our time “together” has been limited…this is just what I have been needing. 

Ultimately, as I have said in the past it is about the lives you touch, and the lives that touch you that make the moments we turn into memories. 

Praying for a great race with my sister and my friend Carolyn cheering me on. 

I truly, could not ask for more in life…
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Tuesday tapering and tidbits

Movin' it with Michelle

I ran 271 miles since I started pre-training/training in January. 

I have learned that I can push through almost anything, be it pain, emotional distress, or physical turmoil. 

I have found my comfortable pace…and I am enjoying being quicker than I was 5 years ago.

I have realized that people will always want to compete with you, but your race is yours alone. 

I have found that people will support you, and stab you in the back all in the same breath…hold on to those who pick you up…the rest will find themselves laying breathlessly on the floor with a knife in their hand. 

I did this…all on my own, with the help of my eldest daughter and my wonderful gym that has a daycare to watch my youngest so I can get my runs in and regularly. 

I know, that I shouldn’t look at what I don’t have, but feel blessed with what I have accomplished. 

My race is Sunday…may not sound like a race to some who have done several marathons.  But this is a race/run to me, and I will give it my very best effort. 

Lastly, I will give kudos to those who have truly supported me.  I can’t wait to run this race with my sister.