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Sunday Runday? My summation of today and this weekend!

Movin' it with Michelle
As I pour my last glass of cranberry water with lemon (sounds enticing right?) I thought I would jot a few thoughts down. 

Today I had 7 miles on deck, and ran 7.5 of the worst miles I’ve had to date.  It was hard, it hurt, and I couldn’t find my groove.  Who put the darn quicksand in my shoes?  Why is Mother Nature and her darn wind pushing all over??  Bastardos!!  But I finished none the less, walk breaks and all.  Came home and iced my knee accordingly, and followed with a nice Epsom salt bath a couple hours later…ahhh.

Today is day 4 of no caffeine, alcohol, or bad stuff etc…and today is the first day I didn’t wake up in a pound of sweat, or feeling like crap.  My run wasn’t the best of runs, but I still woke up with a smile, and before 9 a.m.!!!  ME?  Yes…the girl who likes to sleep LATE was up in running clothes, having breakfast by 9, out the door 30 minutes later.  Unheard of? Why yes. 

After icing my knee, my little Sophia asked if I would cuddle with her for a while and watch a movie in her room…how do you pass that up?
yes, that is a bag of frozen shrimp, LOL

We all ended up in the backyard both yesterday and today…here are some shots…

The day ended with some yummy food-all organic and healthy.  My meals are prepped for tomorrow, and can’t honestly ask for much more in life.
Yummy goodness salad, organic chicken thighs, olives, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, and all kinds of veggies! 
Breakfast-3 hard boiled eggs, and organic sausage

Thanks to all who have supported me through this endeavor, especially while Brian has been gone away to school.  It’s been no easy feat. 

My long run this week is 8 miles.  I can do this!!!  ❤  Hope everyone has a blessed week!!!
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Wednesday’s are never without Words

Movin' it with Michelle
I have been blessed to find an amazing nutrition specialist, more so HEALTH specialist to help me tackle my hormone and blood sugar levels.  Backing up, I have suffered from insomnia for the better part of my life.  But when I was referred to a specialist by my awesomest friend Jen, I couldn’t say no…(Thanks Jared!!!)
I’ve been talking and working with him for about a week now, and my official plan starts tomorrow.  
Today was my rest day, so  I headed to the store to buy all organic goods, and man did Sophia and I have fun.

 
I came home, washed and prepped everything and got my meals ready for tomorrow. 
Here is a few things I purchased…

After prepping food, I made my meals for tomorrow.  Breakfast will be 3 hard boiled eggs and a piece of organic sausage.  My snack is a cup of strawberries, black berries, and raspberries.  Lunch I hit a home run, making up my own recipe for chili-lime, and garlic chicken.  SOOO easy by the way. 
I minced a handful of cloves of garlic first…

I then zested 1 lime, and rolled it firmly on the cutting board so that when I cut into it the maximum amount of juice would be dispelled. 

Next I added the zest/juice of one lime, the garlic, and a couple table spoons of chili powder to an 1/8 or so of a cup of EVOO.  Just a touch of kosher salt and pepper was added, then mixed thoroughly.  Then add 4-6 chicken thighs to the mixture and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.  Brown in a saute’ pan, and YUM!  This is being served of a salad of baby greens and avocado for lunch tomorrow!!

YUM!

And yes, I am having my one LAST glass of red wine tonight.  (Jared, forgive me!)

May you all have a blessed week!  I know that my washing machine being fixed is a bonus, but living a healthy life style is even better!!!

~Chelle

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Triple Tuesday Truths

Movin' it with Michelle
Today, while browsing my Facebook feed I learned that an Air Force sister lost her life.  I was moved…saddened…and dumbfounded that a woman my age who was in amazing shape-lost her life after doing physical training for the Air Force due to an aneurism.  This woman showed me a kindness you don’t normally find in this day and age.  She wasn’t a close friend, but she was close enough to reach out to me when she knew I was troubled.  Heaven has a new Angel for us all indeed.  Yet the world is without her beautiful soul and therefore I will mourn her passing today.  I don’t cry at work, or in front of people anymore…yet hearing the news today left me with my eyes full of tears and I wondered how I’d make it through the last 2 hours of work…

Today, I was supposed to have rest day for training.   Instead I came home from work, fed the kids, and hit the trails with a passion I haven’t had in a while.  I ran my 4.5 miles for Linda.  For the drive that she had, and the passion that she instilled in me the few years I knew her.  I left my Garmin at home and simply tracked my miles via my IPhone.  I didn’t care about splits, times, or personal competitions that I hold myself to every day.  I played my ITunes quietly in my ears, and let myself just go…These miles were for her, and her alone.  May her soul rest in peace. 

Today, although I felt alone I was touched by the amazing love from my lifelong friends.  Laughing, talking, texting, and talking made the day I thought would never end-end in a peaceful bliss.  Thank you…<3

They say “life is short” but do we really embrace what we have each day?

Tomorrow is the future…LIVE for TODAY. 

We all have ailments.  We all have troubles.  We all have stress.  But if we are able to wake each morning, kiss our children/family/friends, and laugh with those we love even in the darkest hour-I think we should count our lucky stars. 

It can always be worse…but what are YOU doing to make it better?

My challenge for the month of April is this…Make YOU, YOUR LIFE, and your EXISTENCE better…every day. 

I may even come up with a prize.  So please, tell me your story. 

~Chelle
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Monday, Mulitiplied x2

Movin' it with Michelle
Today was filled with work, meetings, kids, and the washing machine calling it quits. 

1.       I spent nearly an hour on the phone trying to get a service call with no luck, and in a tyrant I went to the gym as I had lost daylight.  I had 4.5 miles on my schedule, yet only finished 2 miles as my time was running out and I refuse to give up my evening time with my youngest.  She still lets me rock her to sleep while singing “The way you look tonight” by Frank Sinatra.  I have sung this song for over 12 years now, to both daughters, and it is also my wedding song.  So I ran, until I noticed the time was nearing ‘rock’ time, and I headed home.  I completed just a smidge over 2 miles. 

And that, was enough…for today. 

2.       As I drove home in still a bit of a discorded Monday, I listened to a song I can’t help but to tear up over…am I really upset over a darn washing machine?  Wow…my priorities were all jacked up there for a second.  If you haven’t ever listened, take a moment to check out KLove.com.   What an inspirational station to listen to every day. 

Life.   Can, be hard…but if we stop and see what matters most, we truly can see past the CRAP. 

My new nutrition plan is coming together.  Thanks to my dear friend Jared Toay whom I met through my lifelong friend, Jennifer-I finally feel I can get a grasp on what I need to do to get things, my sleep, and my health back on track. 

And so yes…my miles weren’t completed tonight.  My washing machine, well, still doesn’t work quite yet. 

But I have my health, great friends and family, and my LIFE yet to live. 

May I find my mileage tomorrow.  If not, there is always another day as long as I give it my all. 

May you find your strength and inspiration, tomorrow, and always.

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Six Week wrap up on Sunday-Happy Easter

Movin' it with Michelle
Although in week 5 I hit my top miles for the week at 22 miles of training, this week was my ‘rest’ week and I still was able to accomplish 18 miles of WORK. 

Work, yes I said this dreaded word.  Although I love to run, when you are in training your running schedule becomes something you must hold yourself accountable for each day.  Many days I find myself so darn tired I can’t hold my eyes open at work, and after wrangling kids and their homework and housework you’d think the last thing I’d want to do is go running.  Yet I have a schedule, and a plan that I must stick to each and every day.  Subsequently these runs become a NEED, instead of an option. 

I ran 4 times this week, and walked almost 2 miles as well as an ‘off day’ workout.  My knee was pissed at me all week, so I was thankful for the tapering and took it with a grain of salt.  Today I was on for a 5K race, but seeing that I couldn’t find one I ran the trails with my sister for 5 miles instead.  And although it wasn’t pain free, it was a glorious way to spend Easter.
Love running with my sis!

Yesterday we spent the day at my folk’s house and it was a gorgeous spring day.  The kids had their Easter egg hunt after an amazing dinner cooked by my Mom, and after our long walk we spent the evening talking over a glass of wine and popcorn!  I am so blessed that as I’ve gotten older I have been able to become closer with my parents. 
Peace! LOL
My parents!
Jenna my niece, and my eldest, Jordyn
My Sophia

It wasn’t until later this evening that I have become a touch numb since my husband left just over 2 months ago.  While on facetime he asked why I was quiet/stand-off-ish and I had no idea what he was talking about…but after getting off the phone I realize I’ve become tougher than I needed to be, and can’t shut him or anyone that is close to me out of my life.  I suppose it is human nature, as I need and want to be strong for my girls.  But we have to feel close to those who love us whenever possible. 

Stress can get the best of a person though…and when your bathroom is infested with Wasps because you were a dumb ass and left the window open, and your washing machine doesn’t spin so you have to wash clothes multiple times until they are clean, and you are up late at night getting Easter baskets ready and the house cleaned on a holiday weekend-well yeah-this long ass sentence says it all…you hit a point where all you want to do is crawl into bed and pray the next 2 months pass by quicker than the first two did…

But, I got my miles in this week, and am nursing my knee to get in my 21 miles next week.  I have 4.5 on the schedule tomorrow.  ACK!  Wish me luck!

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter, and that you all have an amazing week. 
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Week 6 of ½ marathon training

Movin' it with Michelle
As most of you know, my ultimate goal/plan is to run the Chicago Marathon on October 7th.  And I have the Fox Valley 20 miler planned just 2 weeks prior in September. 

Knowing I needed to take baby steps on this journey, I registered for the Chi-town ½ which is being held in Schaumberg, IL on the 20th of May.  I figured this would keep me motivated, going, pushing, and running throughout the spring and early summer before my official training started.  My husband may be gone, but I have goals to push towards!


I STARTED running again in December, slow, yet steady, and am now finally feeling like I am “in training.”  Today, I wanted to come home from work and lay on the couch, but my 4 mile run called my name. 

I fed the kids; made sure the dog was taken out, and hit the neighborhood running/bike trails. My right entire  right leg was hurting, from my toes to my hip, but I know you can’t get to your goal without a little bit of struggling. 

And a struggle this run was…I was feeling a bit “off” which didn’t help…I’d have given anything to have my sister by my side-so spoiled Saturday…but I ran straight through two miles and gave myself a moment to regain momentum. The last two miles were dead against the wind, but I refused to let the wind, WIN.  Nope.  I may have had to stop on the bridge over Randall Rd to catch my breath…but I kept pushing.  I finished 4.15 miles in just over 38 minutes, and was greeted by my kids playing in the front yard. 

Odd note…I took my Epson salt bath, and got Sophia her bath as well.  But while getting dressed I finally started to see the difference this training is making.  I have altered my lifestyle, be it between eating, and working out-and it’s paying off (I hope!)! 

This made my day…

Tomorrow is cross training day, BRING IT ON!
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Sunday Funday?

Movin' it with Michelle
I ran nearly 8 (7.8) miles yesterday, and had hoped for a run today.  Yet my knee and my TOES were not feeling it.  I woke up early to take my favorite little boy to the groomers.  His poor feet get ingrown hairs, and he was due for a bath and pampering.  Easter is next weekend and we are driving north almost 3 hours to my folks so I wanted to make sure he was ready and got the attention he needed.  His ears often are a problem, so it was nice to have the groomers clean every nook and cranny for Sammy. 

I had contemplated a lazy day, yet knew the garden needed work.  So the girls and I headed to our favorite diner for lunch and afterwards hit all the local garden stores to prep our garden and yard for spring.  I do pay someone to mow the acre and a half that we own, but I tend to the rest of the yard myself. 

We purchased a bird bath along with various flowers to make the yard our own.  Jordyn dived in helping me plant tulips along with putting up a decorative fence around the garden in hopes the bunnies don’t eat my flowers this year. 

The run still loomed in the back of my mind, but I was having too much fun with the girls.  I decided today was the perfect day to lay the weed and feed on the grass, so I hauled the huge bags of treatment while dumping them into the handheld spreader, and I laid the feed up and down our 1.5 acres.  By the end of the spreading I was spent, so I decided a rest day was going to be allowed. 

I made the kids pasta left overs for dinner, and hit the laundry with a vengeance.  Yet…the washer locked up WITH MY RUNNING PANTS HELD WITHIN THE BARREL, and I flipped out.  I am a Mom, homemaker, career woman, gardener, cook, maid, and now Mrs. Fix-it? Bah…but I did it…I finagled the washer, getting it open and tightening the screws on the lid.  My running pants are now happily tumbling in the dryer after a minor heart attack.  My coffee is brewed, my lunch is made, and the kids snacks are packed…I had hoped to call it a night before 11 tonight, but time got away from me as usual. 

Tomorrow I hope for a 4 mile run…a good day at work, and mostly happy kids. 

Love and blessings!

~Chelle
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Sisterly Saturday Splits!

Movin' it with Michelle
I normally get my long run out of the way during the week so I can relax with the girls on the weekend, but today I was blessed that my sister called in the middle of the week to schedule not only time together BUT also that she would do my long run with me!  Admittedly I was terrified completely nervous, especially after not getting a very good night’s sleep in, but I got up and started hydrating as well as eating breakfast and a snack of a protein bar a couple hours later. 

I had a pasta dinner prepared for our post run, and everything was in order when she and her family arrived.  I had already gotten ready with running clothes donned, but I of course still wore my beloved slippers until it was time to throw on the ‘kicks.
my slippers rock, oh yeah!

Keep in mind first, that my sister is on an advanced training plan as she is a seasoned marathoner.  I myself, although a seasoned runner, am NOT seasoned at racing.  The ½ marathon in May will only be my second, and the Chicago marathon in October is my very first.  But she was sweet enough to scale back for me today, and what a blessing it truly was to run with my SISTER!!!  I nearly cried when I saw how far we ran, and at what an amazing pace/splits.  And to hear her say, “You are going strong,” and motivating me with stories and tips, I knew I could keep running!  I only stopped around the 4.24 mile mark when we hit the HILL FROM HELL.  She was trucking up that hill like a mad woman, and I did my best to keep up!  But once we gave it our all I realized OH CRAP, I need to stop and catch my breath and stretch!  We stopped briefly for about a minute and regained our pace.  Then we hit the last couple of miles which usually suck-and we kicked it up!!!  We rocked it!!!!!
Love this woman!

My sister has her hands full with four kids, and had a full schedule of dental appointments this morning with the family yet she took the time today to run WITH ME.  I am on cloud nine now, even with aching feet and all around a bit tired.  But after a bunch of self-doubt of, “Can I DO this?”  And “Am I freaking crazy?”  She helped show me that I CAN, if I simply listen to my body and never, ever quit. 

We finished 7.8 miles in 1:20, and our splits were amazing for me!  10:19, 10:35, 10:29, 10:38 (HILL FROM HELL), 10:30, 10:04, 10:03, 7:36 splits!!!

Thanks to my beloved sister, and all of my amazing supporters that comment and post on my FB to help keep me in line…You guys are the best!!!
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Fan-tab-ulous Friday…Why yes…

Movin' it with Michelle
I will first like to note that yes, I know I’ve had more than my fair share of bad days lately.  Those that took the time to read my blog, comment, call, and show concern-OMG thank you.  Although I had hoped to be used to taking care of the kids on my own, I now know that no one gets used to being without their best friend, spouse, soul mate, and father of their children. 

A small caveat to this is that I’ve lived a very hard life.  I’ve been through more than most nearly 40 year olds…Just 10 years ago I lived in an old trailer home located on Scott AFB.  But even then, I did it with a pride I’ve seen in few.  I spent hours in my yard and garden, and had it decorated immaculately.  I was recently divorced and a single Mom, but I had great friends and had a new found belief in MYSELF. 

I moved with my then 3 year old daughter, Jordyn to Alaska to venture on to new and exciting journeys while being stationed in Anchorage.  I worked hard, saved, and got myself out of debt in order to buy our first home.  It was a beautiful townhouse in Anchorage, and I will always have fond memories of this home.  I met Brian just 8 months after arriving in Alaska, and I loved him from the first time his eyes met mine.  I tried to fight it, told him I’d never marry again and that the only thing I could offer was a causal relationship.  Yet just a few weeks later I knew in my heart of hearts I was in love and couldn’t spend a day of my life without him.  He left a few months later for Afghanistan, and our love affair only developed.  Just a month after his arrival home nearly a year later, we were engaged and married in November of 2004. 

Although yes this may sound like a complete fairy tale, I can attest to the fact that we struggled for quite a few years.  Financially, emotionally, and even physically when my health started to fade after the birth of my youngest.  And this is where my love affair for running was reborn. 

I decided on a whim to run the San Antonio ½ marathon in late September.  The race was in November.  But I needed it…I needed SOMETHING for me and me alone.  And I did it-without walking which was my goal-in 2:19. 

Now, 5 years later and a marathon entry that I didn’t complete under my belt-I know this year is mine…My husband may not be here to support me, but he does in his own special way.  I continue to train, to fight, and to push forward even while he is away.  I take care of our home, our kids, but refuse to let my goals surpass me this time. 

So after feeling pretty run down the last couple weeks I succumbed to taking a day off work, which I never do…but I knew it was needed.   Soph wanted to go to Kinder care, so I dropped her off and went for a beautiful run. 

I then came home to find THIS on my door step.  WOWOWOWOWOW!  He wanted to cheer me up…sigh…

J and I went to see the Hunger games as a Mommy/daughter date, and we had a blast.  We finished the night with Red Robin and chilling at home.

I should be cleaning, but I am letting myself relax.  I have learned over these last few months that my support system is amazing be it from lifelong friends, or friends I have never even physically met…and my folks and sister do amazing at always checking on me. 

Tomorrow is my 7 miles…SEVEN…may sound small to some, but I am nervous!  Thank you Bobbi for driving down to run with me!!!!  XOXO!!!
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Sunday Summation

Movin' it with Michelle
This weekend went by with a whirlwind.  It seems crazy that I am writing this on Sunday night, for it feels I was just sitting in this spot on Friday! 

Recap of last week’s runs/workouts:

Monday-rest

Tuesday-long run of 5 miles in 51:00

Wednesday-rest

Thursday-2.6 miles in 26:00

Friday was supposed to run, but little one wasn’t feeling well

Saturday-scheduled for a 5K but due to rain made it 2.58 in 24:00 (darn this would’ve been a PR!)

Saturday did some fitness-200 sit-ups, 65 pushups, and 4 sets of IT band exercises (30 each)

Sunday I walked, walked, and walked some more.  I walked around 4 miles, but not sure the time. 

My goal was to hit 4 runs minimum this week, but I fell short due to…well, life.  Hoping next week I can fit 4 runs in! 

Yet today I can’t complain about not running, because my neighbors invited me to their son’s Confirmation brunch, and then this evening to see his band play at a local venue.  As some of you know, I have put myself in the antisocial box for a good 6 years…Knowing this is something I did to myself, I have been trying to ‘get back out there’ and not hide within the walls of my home as I did while living in Texas.  So I’ve been saying “Yes” to invites, and getting out and about to enjoy our new life and honestly have no regrets. 
Great music!

After 20 years of wearing a uniform I have a new found love for shoes and clothes.  It is currently my new weakness!  Argh!  Thankfully I shop wisely, but I am finding it to be a bit of an addiction!!!  LOL!!  Thank goodness I have two girls who also love to shop, so we have been keeping busy while Brian is gone.  Yesterday we were able to start on the girl’s spring wardrobe, and today we went shoe shopping and I was able to purchase a few new shirts for myself!  I also snuck on the MAC website, and replenished some very old make-up that needed replacing!  YAY!  And free shipping included!!  I love to bargain shop, but also believe in quality. 
Sophia and her new shoes!

First topless Jeep ride this spring

I hope everyone has a great week!