long runs – Movin' it with Michelle

half marathon training, moving forward, Thankful

Week 8 long run/Thankful #4

January 21, 2019 Movin' it with Michelle

I have been down for the count for exactly 3 weeks. My last long run was Christmas where I was able to run 5 miles fairly easily as I’ve been running 3-4 miles for quite some time. I’ve only walked/ran a couple of times since then, so decided I either 1. get off my butt and run (even if that meant some walking due to coughing still), or 2. ditch the notion of running the Gasparilla half marathon on February 24th in St. Petersburg FL. My hubby is also running this race, but is three weeks ahead of me in training and I know he didn’t want to slow down to run my slower pace so I sent him off for his long run so I could run solo.

The temps were in the perfect low 60’s and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. There were however, left over winds from the crazy storms we got last night which took my breath away several times. I ran the first loop (3.2 miles) slowly but I felt quite strong. I started to feel a little light headed, so I ran past my house to fuel and take a potty break. I had a HUMA chia gel which are my go-to for long run fueling, some water, and I headed back out. I did ok until I hit mile 5 and this was my “wall” to today’s long run. I slowed to a pace of 11:54 and mile 6 was an 11:53. Thankfully I caught a second wind and my last mile was 11:14 with an average pace of 11:18. I am learning that it’s not always about pace, and that I need to celebrate the distance.

Today I am thankful for:

Long runs=therapy sessions. I am thankful for the hour and twenty minutes I had to myself to think, process issues and just enjoy the sunshine.
The ability to run as I get older. My knees have 30+ years of running in their history and I often struggle with a short run. Thankfully supplements, creams, and knee braces are my saving grace.
Sleeping in. I know, I used this one yesterday but having the extra day to the weekend did wonders for my sleep deprivation.
Sunshine and perfect running weather.
Perspective. I used to always worry about running faster and running farther. Now I simply try my hardest and enjoy every mile.

Did you work today? What’s your favorite way to release stress? Are you training for any races right now?

Cheers,

Michelle

Uncategorized, weekly wrap up

Weekly Wrap up 2-21-2016

February 21, 2016February 21, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

It’s time again for the Weekly wrap up with Tricia and Holly. If you want to read, support, and be inspired by others I definitely recommend checking out these awesome blogs.

Last week was a bit shaky for me, but I did manage to get in a few good workouts and my longest run of the year-10 miles of much needed solitude and soul searching.

Friday was rest day, and after the week I had at work I will admit I was ready for it. My stomach was/has been a mess these days and my almost dormant IBS-D has been rearing it’s ugly head. I woke up Saturday knowing I’d need a bathroom close, so I waited it out and started my long run at around 10 a.m. Thankfully my stomach cooperated, and I was able to get a really solid ten miler in. I have to give kudos to my friend Andrea for cheering me on. She’s just about the coolest person I know, and she ALWAYS knows when I need her, even without me asking. Those friends are the best.

Saturday afternoon I took my daughter’s to a late lunch/brunch at a new place in Geneva called Hache’ Modern Brasserie which highlighted amazing French food. We had the cheese and charcuterie plate, and were greeted by the Chef himself to present our appetizer. J had fish and frites, S had steak and frites, and I had the Bouillabase. All of our dishes were packed full of flavor and you could truly taste the passion in the food from Chef Andrew. We were also even given a small plate of pork belly to share from the Chef as a complimentary dish while we waited. The décor was modern French with pops of color and fresh flowers throughout. We were even lucky enough to meet on of the owners, Peter, who delivered the flowers himself to our table. Our service was impeccable, and we will definitely return in the future!

We clean up quite nicely, hehe

Lunch Menu

My girls

Cheese and Charcuterie plate, presented by the Chef himself

Complimentary pork belly? Yes, please!

Someone is happy about her steak and frites. Cooked to PERFECTION I might add.

Fish and frites

Bouillabaisse with a spicy saffron broth

desert!! Oreo Chiffon? Yes please!

After lunch we were out shopping and my hubby tagged me in this post on FB.

He wrote-“Wherever I am, there is always something that makes me think of her. Snapped this picture flying over Venice, Italy”

I had to duck into one of the aisles to gather my composure. #allthefeels

Today was a much needed day of rest filled with movie watching, craft making, and cooking. Marcona almond crusted cod with quinoa/roasted veggies, and cilantro peas!

Our new chore incentive chart, filled with some fun and sweet motivational quotes.

Full view

fish

There really is no “recipe” for this fish, just ground marcona almonds, season with salt and pepper and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes! Yummy, and easy!!

How was your week/weekend? Highs/lows? What’s the longest distance you’ve run this year?

Have a great week!!!

❤ Michelle

marathon training, Uncategorized

Week 1 of marathon full marathon training, sorta…

January 24, 2016January 24, 2016 Movin' it with Michelle

This weekly wrap up will be quick, because my hubby just got home from training THREE hours earlier than normal. #winning

Last week, I managed to work out 5/7 days. I ran 3 days, did 2 cardio workouts, and 2 strength training workouts. Today was my first official long run, of which I ran 6.14 miles and felt like I could’ve kept going for several more miles. WINNING.

After my run, I made my favorite post run meal. EGGS!

It was hard to not have bacon too, but I am determined NOT to gain weight this time around.

When the hubby texted at 2:30 saying he was getting out at around 4:00 P.M. I decided to make a nice Sunday Supper of baked Salmon, Sweet potato puree` and roasted broccoli. Easy, elegant, and healthy!

Hubby is almost out of the shower, and I am hanging on to every moment, so with that I bid you all goodnight!! I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for the weekly wrap up! Please head over and check out the link up!

weekly-Wrapup

Are you training for any races right now? What’s your favorite post run meal? Do you gain weight during marathon training?

Have a great week, y’all!

Cheers!

❤ Michelle

marathon training, Recipes

Tuesday, tostadas, and truths in no particular order!

May 6, 2015May 6, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

After Sunday’s big race, (and during) I really have been thinking…shocker, right? I mean, what else are you going to do out on the trails for a couple hours? Although often times I can get lost in my own head while running/racing long, more times than not I spent the majority of the time thinking. It’s my therapy in essence, where I get to bond with God, nature, and everything in between.

Lately, I’ve been battling with myself, in regards to being upset over people who don’t get excited or support my crazy dreams. Not so much people, but FRIENDS. And after I wiped my tears away quickly Sunday during which time I was saddened to not hear from a couple friends that morning, I was reminded of the awesome support I DO have. My husband, sister, and a few friends all sent texts, and I had quite a few friends at the race cheering for me. Why was I upset over the few who didn’t bother to support me? That’s the question of the hour. I swear, I am my own worst enemy sometimes. I got this reminder, a text from 2014 when I ran this very same race last year, from my friend A and I just smiled. My sister reminded me of how far I’ve come, and I slapped away the sadness and drove on. Gah I am an idiot sometimes. LOL, at least I recognize it, right?

The last 2 days I’ve been walking around like I just ran a FULL marathon. WOWSA am I sore!!!! I truly gave it my all on Sunday, and am feelin’ it big time today. But, I had 4-5 miles on deck so immediately after work I changed clothes and ran. It started to rain, and I ran out of time, but I managed to beat the storms. 4.32 miles in 40:22 with an average pace of 9:20. Never did I think I would be able to say 9:20-9:30 would be an easy-ish pace. YAHOO!!! I finished up my work out with weights, and a wimpy 1:06 minute plank, lol!

It IS Cinco de Mayo, so I made chicken tostadas tonight for dinner after my run.

Chicken Tostada Recipe

Preheat oven to 325 degrees (You’ll want to bake your tostadas to crisp them up)

6 corn tortillas, baked on a cookie sheet at 325 degrees for about 10 minutes

1 package of boneless, skinless chicken-cut into bite size pieces (I prefer thighs, but breasts work too!)

1/2 red onion-diced

1 red pepper-chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup of frozen corn (wait until the very end to add this)

Shredded cheese-1 cup (may be omitted, I only use a tiny amount on mine as cheese and I aren’t friends.)

Seasonings to taste: Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper

Sauté’ in extra virgin olive oil the onions, pepper and garlic for 4-5 minutes. Add in your chicken, seasonings, and can of black beans and cook through-around 15 minutes. Add in your corn, stir well.

Sprinkle the tortillas with shredded cheese, and top with the chicken mixture. Add just a touch more cheese and put in your 325 degree oven.

While the cheese is melting, make your avocado topping.

Avocado topping

1 avocado

1 tablespoon of low fat sour cream

Juice of 1 lime

pinch of salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper

Serve, and enjoy!

Total prep and cook time was 20-25 minutes. This is a great week night meal!

Do you think a lot during your long runs? What’s your favorite easy week night meal?

Have a great week, y’all!

Keep Movin’ Forward!

❤ Michelle

Friday Favs

April 17, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t posted a Friday Favs post in a while, and am in the middle of a wretched case of writer’s block so thought, why not!

Here’s some of my favorite things lately…

Running outside in a tank top and running shorts/skirt. The wind in my hair, the sun on my face and actually feeling sweaty. Gross, right? LOL

Longer days and warmer temps. It’s so wonderful being able to drive home from work and still have time to pick up my kids, go running, and cook dinner all before sunset. Winning!

Being a Mom comes with drama, but J is back in school full days, and S continues to give us a run for our money in regards to her “free spirited” nature at school. The hubby went to S’s parent teacher conference yesterday, and just when we thought she was improving in regards to focusing at school, we were given a rude awakening. Ultimately they are healthy and happy (for the most part) so I really shouldn’t complain.

My training is now half way done for the Grandma’s marathon. Well, it will be once I complete my long run and strength training this weekend. Hard to believe how quickly the training has gone by, and am looking forward to running with my friend D for my long run tomorrow. That 15 miler last weekend was TOUGH alone, so the company will be welcomed with open arms.

That wraps it up for my Friday Favs. What’s your favorite weather to run in? Are you training for anything in particular?

Have a great weekend, y’all!! Keep Movin’ Forward!

❤ Michelle

marathon training, Recipes, Sunday Supper

Weekend wrap up

March 23, 2015March 23, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

I’ll start this post with the fact that I was supposed to be on weekend duty at the hospital. Once every 5 weeks I am deemed in charge of the entire laboratory and it’s mind blowing and scary all at one time. BUT..my amazing peer and friend offered to take my duty knowing I should be home resting with my daughter, and not enduring unneeded stress. I couldn’t thank her enough, so left her a card and a Starbucks gift card on her desk for the weekend. Good friends truly rock.

We had a very quiet weekend filled with normal housework, laundry, and snuggles. I’ve learned a hard lesson that I’ve wasted far too much time stressing over cleaning and mundane chores. So it’s been glorious snuggling up with my girls to watch a show, or take an extra 20 minutes after my J’s shower to brush and dry her hair. No…I’m never too busy for that.

This morning I had 12 miles on deck and had planned to run the miles with my friend Debra. She texted me early at 7 am notifying me the stomach bug from hell was still in the house. Crap. I knew Janel was meeting me for a couple miles, but could I do 12 on my own? You’re darn right I can, and had the help from Melissa, Seth and Janel for the first couple miles, and my sister texting me at mile 10 that I better run faster so I could be DONE faster, LOL! It worked, I finished my last mile in 8:45 with an over all average pace of 10:06.

I came home, made some bacon and eggs, and took a very long shower as I was frozen to the core. Despite the 30 degree temps, the wind-chill made it feel more like 17 degrees and I. WAS. COLD. After my shower I crawled in to J’s bed, and we watched Netflix for 30 minutes. It’s SOOOO good to see her on the mend, and able to do more ‘stuff’ each day.

Sunday Supper rolled around and I decided to make fish tacos with homemade guacamole and red cabbage slaw with a side of twice baked beans and roasted veggies.

Guacamole

3 avocados

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 plum tomato, chopped

1/4 red onion, diced

juice of half a lime

Seasonings: kosher salt, pepper, cilantro, cayenne pepper to taste

Combine in a food processor-pulse until mixed well, but still chunky

Red Cabbage Slaw

3 cups of red cabbage, thinly sliced

1/4 red onion

juice of 1/2 lime

splash of vegetable oil/rice wine vinegar

Seasonings: salt, pepper, and cilantro

Twice baked beans

In a sauce pan add one can of red beans, one can of black beans that have been drained and rinsed

Add 1 clove of garlic, 1/4 cup of diced poblano peppers, and salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to taste. Heat until tender, and transfer to your food processor. Puree on high, then transfer to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and toppings of choice. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or until cheese has melted.

The rest is pretty cut and dry. I roasted my carrots and red peppers for 25 minutes at 375 degrees and grilled my fish for the tacos. All in all? Delish, and healthy.

While on my run today I was reminded of so many things. Why I love to run, how thankful I am for the support my family has, and that we need to focus on those that lift us up, not those who tear us down. And for a moment, I felt myself nearly flying.

How was your week? Log any miles? Make any good food?

Keep Movin’ forward, y’all!

❤ Michelle

marathon training, Sunday Supper

Week 4 of training, complete!

March 16, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Overall week 4 of training went off without a hitch. Despite little sleep, I managed to get in my weekday runs, strength training, and even a shake out walk today. I also finished my week off with a couple hours of yard work, which included glimpses of spring!

Green little sproutlings made me SOOOO excited today!

But back it up a little…sorry, I am getting ahead of myself-LOL! Yesterday was my scheduled long run, and I had 11 miles on deck. I hadn’t run long outside since November, and my nerves were pretty high. My friend D offered to meet up with me at 8 a.m. as she was starting at 7 a.m. and I could sleep in a little while she started out since she needed 18 miles.

Despite saying we would both wear our FVM jackets, the rest of the outfit was NOT planned, LOL!!

It worked out PERFECTLY. The sun was out, the temps were nearly perfect and I couldn’t have asked for a better morning. Despite being much faster than I am, D offered to slow it down so we could just run, chat, and leave it all on the trails for a couple hours. And that’s exactly what we did…we kept it a 10mm pace, which is my ‘sweet spot’ to run in where I am pushing myself yet can still glide along easily while holding a conversation.

My ITB is starting to feel the miles, so I did have to stop at stretch it out several times. A quick stretch though, was what seemed to do the trick and I tried to ensure we weren’t stopped for more than a minute each time. The run was amazing, but I am guessing this is greatly due to the company I was in. ❤

Since the hubby is working all weekend, I decided to take the girls to see the new Cinderella movie. I LOVED it. They did, too! I highly recommend seeing this film.

Today was a busy day of Fox Valley Marathon planning and my fellow Co-Directors of Volunteers and I met up with the Race Directors for a an overview of the new online tools we will be using. Can’t wait!

I finished the day, as said previously, by working on my yard, raking, walking, pulling up dead stuff and yes…scooping a winter’s worth of dog poo. Gross is all I can say.

Tonight’s Sunday Supper was Red snapper that I pan fried, served with a broccoli slaw with pancetta along with a cauliflower and leek mash. Delish indeed!!!

I’ve posted how I prepare Cauliflower mash previously here and just added a chopped leek to the mix. YUM!

Broccoli Slaw

One bag of pre-chopped broccoli slaw

2 teaspoons of Mayo with olive oil

A splash or two of rice wine vinegar

Kosher salt and pepper to taste

1 cup of pancetta that has been browned with garlic and chopped mushrooms (drain on a paper towel)

Mix well and let chill for an hour before serving

Red Snapper

Dry your fillets with a paper towel and season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Heat a non stick pan with cooking spray and just a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to medium/high heat. Cook skin side down first, add a pat of unsalted butter and flip about 4-5 minutes and brown the other side for just a minute or two until the fish is completely cooked. Finish with a light sprinkle of kosher salt.

As the weekend draws to a close, I am counting my blessings. I truly couldn’t and SHOULDN’T ever ask or want for more in my life, than what I have today.

Did you all get your long runs in? Were you able to get outside this weekend? What’s your favorite healthy meal?

Have a great week, y’all!

❤ Michelle

running, Uncategorized

Runfessions

February 27, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

Today I am linking up with Marcia’s Healthy Slice for some good ‘ole Runfessions! This is my first time participating, so sit back, and relax for my monthly confessional in regards to running and all it entails.

Winter has officially killed my love for running, temporarily I know, but enough to give me a heavy heart. No matter how blessed I SHOULD feel for having a treadmill and access to indoor running, I found myself in tears again last night after my 2.5 miler on the ‘mill. Why is it so hard for me to enjoy a good dready run? I’ll tell you…

Running is my escape from the real world. I wouldn’t say I am running away from life. On the contrary. I am running towards a better me. Because running outside allows me to clear my head, and leave the work stress, parental drama and chaos in general BEHIND me.

Yet when I am running in the basement of my own home, on a ~~hamster wheel~~ treadmill with the dog clawing at the basement door or perched happily on the couch staring at me the entire time, I find it hard to ‘let go’ of all my stressors. Oh, and the kids fighting upstairs usually can be heard around the block, so the basement is of little escape or solitude.

BUT…I keep reminding myself that despite the snow and sub zero temps in the 7-day forecast spring IS on it’s way…

Eventually…

RIGHT?!?!?!!

Oh…and my new Brooks Launch 2’s are the BOMB. They feel like I am running on clouds, and I can’t wait to take them for an 8 mile spin on the indoor track tomorrow with my friend Janel!! We haven’t ran together in ages, and this will be my first long run on the track! Wish me luck!!

What runfessions do you have this month? What is your longest run indoors?

Keep Movin’ Forward, y’all!!

❤ Michelle

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