running – Page 9 – Movin' it with Michelle

I went into this race with few expectations. I got lazy (too busy more so) with my training and just prayed I had enough left in the tank to get this race done, and done strong.

I woke up at 4 am, got ready and hit the road to Naperville to meet up with the gang. I texted Andrea, letting her know I pooped…LOL. On going joke…sorry haha!

I got to Naperville at 5:45 and waited in the warmth of my car for everyone to arrive. Everyone arrived safely at around 6:15, and we had plenty of time to get settled. I ate my cereal bar, chugged my 5 hr energy and we were off!

11-9sunrise — What a beautiful sunrise…and I am NOT a morning person!

11-9group — These amazing people…I can’t say enough about these girls.

11-9start — The starting line was lined with flags, and I was truly moved by the beauty of it all!

We lined up at the start, getting in to our respective corrals and bid each other high fives, hugs, and good luck. I turned and saw Claudia, a woman I met during the Fox Valley training runs I paced, so we agreed to start together. YAY! The national anthem was beautifully sung, (sang?) and the race kicked off…it only took about 10 minutes to cross the starting line. (They could’ve spaced this a little farther apart, as the course was slightly crowded the first few miles).

We stayed together the first couple miles, and she caught me at mile 9 walking-thankfully her motivation got me running up that terrible hill!

The first several miles felt great. I thought to myself, HEY…I can DO this…but my excitement got the best of me and I went out too fast. Rookie mistake. Beginning mile splits: 9:33, 9:03, 8:58, 8:58, 9:02, 8:51, 9:11, 9:53 (took a walk break to fuel during the 8th mile. I saw Karen at mile 8.5 and nearly sobbed! A friendly face, YAY! We hugged quickly and I kept moving.

And then came mile 9…the hill from hell where it felt we were out in the middle of no where. I walked briefly and then saw Claudia…I tried to stick with her, but it just wasn’t happening. But I kept her in my sights, along with her awesome hubby who was on his bike throughout several spots on the course. Seeing him helped me keep going…

I decided the sub 2 just wasn’t going to happen…I had a stitch in my side that refused to go away.

So I high fived all the kids. I thanked all the volunteers and spectators. I dug deep and searched for my smile. And I ate a piece of bacon from some amazing dude grilling at around mile 11…and I kept running as fast as I could.

Miles 10 and 11 were 9:51 (another walk/stretch break), 9:20 and my right ITB was SCREAMING at me, making my right knee, and foot feel like they were on fire. I was done. I lost sight of Claudia, and I sincerely just wanted to stop. But I saw her husband at mile 12 and he reminded me “You are doing this for fun,” to which I forced a smile and kept going.

And then…I saw THIS. (Thanks, Andrea for the picture).

No "Oh I wish I was running the full" feelings here. AT ALL. — No “Oh I wish I was running the full” feelings here. AT ALL.

The stitch in my side was almost unbearable…but as I hit mile 13 and barreled up the .1 hill to the finish line (having a hill at the finish is just MEAN), I was satisfied. Slight disappointment for yet another NOT sub 2 half briefly hit me, and the tears brimmed in my eyes. But I reminded myself I wasn’t properly trained, having only run ONE 9 miler since the Fox Valley half marathon in September. So instead I celebrated all of my awesome friends finish times, and PR’s. Final miles were 9:30, 9:13, 3:18 for the last .1. I was blessed to have received my medal from Bob Miller, marathon maniac, and after a hug and smiles, I felt better.

Oh…and all the massages….all the food…and all the beer.

11-9beer — Two Brothers pale ale? You betcha!

11-9massage — AHHHHMAZING perk to this race. Stretching AND massage tents.

11-9sammich — I may have eaten two of these…don’t judge.

At the end of the day I did what I set out to do. Complete this race in under 2:10. And of course, spend time with some pretty cool people.

Yes...I had about 57 layers on and STILL was cold, while Andrea was in shorts, LOL — Yes…I had about 57 layers on and STILL was cold, while Andrea was in shorts, LOL

I also got to see Carolyn finish her race, PR, AND qualify for Half Fanatics! YAY!!!!

Pros of the race:

Plenty of port a johns at the start.

Lots of aid stations.

The spectators were amazing

Stretching AND massage tents. SCORE!

The food/beer was warm/cold respectively

Having the gym open for the runners/spectators

Volunteers! I can’t say enough about these amazing people

Cons of the race:

Disorganized gear check causing lengthy waits after the race

Not enough signage telling discombobulated runners where to go after the race

Mean security cops/guards. Cut us some slack fellas…we just ran our butts off!

All in all I had a WONDERFUL time despite some self inflicted pain. I would definitely do this face again!

Also, I was successful in my November goals by 99% only having missed out on doing yoga. Score!

Did you race this weekend? What is your favorite perk of the after race events?

❤ Michelle

running

Naperville Half marathon preparation and packet pick up

November 9, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Today is a new day. My daughter, the tough little cookie she is, is doing fine…I think Mom took it harder than daughter when reality slapped us in the face.

But today, after not a lot of sleep, I rolled out of bed and hopped in the shower. It was time to pick up my race packet and hit the expo for a race I haven’t trained too terribly hard for, but that I know I can complete. My #doepicshit friend Andrea was working the expo until 1 o’clock, so I wanted to make sure I got to see her.

And see her I did! She graciously handed me my packet, and I shopped around while I waited for her to finish her volunteer shift.

Free chair massage? yespleaseandthankyou!

Meet Rico...my massage dude that was stuck in the 80's sporting his spray tan and gold chains. But hey, he worked the knot in my back like a mad man. WIN. — Meet Rico…my massage dude that was stuck in the 80’s sporting his spray tan and gold chains. But hey, he worked the knot in my back like a mad man. WIN.

Afterwards, we decided to grab a bite to eat to celebrate having some time together. Living an hour apart, and both working crazy hours we don’t get to see each nearly enough.

Blue moon beer counts as carb loading, yes?

After talking race strategy (run..walk…move…don’t die, and finish), we parted ways and I headed home to get my flat runner ready.

Upon my arrival home, my hubby asked what our dinner plans were? What? I am running a half marathon tomorrow…I’m. not. cooking. LOL! So he prepared some yummy pasta for us…DELISH!

And now, with my gear set out, my Garmin and IPod charging, I am relaxing in an almost too quiet house. Wait…is that possible? LOL…

My plan for tomorrow is quite simple…take all the stressors I’ve been dealing with the last few weeks, and let that energy fuel me for 2+ hours. Leave the yuck on the road, and run with my heart. I nearly tried to wimp out and either 1. not run the race or 2. just finish it half assed…But my friends know me far too well, and I just don’t work that way.

So I’ll meet up with my amazing friends before the race…shiver, hug, and embrace all that is right in the world by surrounding myself with these people. Will the race lead to a PR? Doubtful…realistically I am just a little rusty from the last few weeks. But I’ll finish, and give it my all!

Thanks to you all, for your amazing support these last 2 days!

Cheers to my last major race of 2014!

dedication, food, goals

Surgery and smiles, and some shrimp too…My nearly Wordless Wednesday post

November 6, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I finished this hump day with a quick dready run. I didn’t want to run (bite my tongue, I know) but needed to keep moving…

During the work week meals are usually prepared within less than an hour. This shrimp dish, prepared with a marinara sauce bought from my favorite local Italian market to which I added – sautéed garlic, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and celery along with added oregano, parsley, basil and crushed red pepper flakes was a WIN. I served it over rice pasta, and it truly was a hit. I love how the simplest yet healthy meals can make my family happy. Who needs take out?

My daughter came to me last week in tears. Her BFF had an injury…”Mommy, can you fix him?” She asked with tears in her eyes. Sigh…I am not crafty AT ALL. But I went to Hobby Lobby on my day off and purchased stuffing and a sewing kit. “Yes, baby…Mommy can fix him.” Sigh…please, Lord. Let this work…

So after dinner, we got our instruments ready, and our “transplant material” aka stuffing, laid out. It was time for surgery.

The entry wound was located…and after finding an additional wound I knew we had to be careful…so every so slowly we stuffed, packed, and made sure each piece of stuffing we transplanting was in the correct place.

entry wound number one... — entry wound number one…

And after spending 15 minutes trying to thread the needle…we had great success. It was time to start closing the wound.

Don't worry, no one was hurt! — Don’t worry, no one was hurt!

After 30 minutes of preparation and dedication, Pink Bear was himself again. And my youngest daughter found her smile…

Mommy! He's good as new! — Mommy! He’s good as new!

I can now rightfully say my resume has broadened…adding in the fact that I am now a Mom, a wife, a friend, a photographer, a Chef, a housekeeper, a maid, a lab supervisor, a runner, a mover, a shaker, and yes…a surgeon. To stuffed animals only, LOL.

Today I left the stressors of life behind me…and I nurtured the needs of my kids. Today, my youngest needed me. And who doesn’t feel good being needed?

At the end of the day, I made time for me, my family, and with that my heart is full. My decluttering for the day included not feeding into negativity although it was tough…

What have you done lately to ‘step outside of your box?’ Do you believe in decluttering both mentally and physically?

Day 5 and I am still on track for my November goals. YAY! How are you doing?

❤ Michelle

goals

November goals…

November 2, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Oops, I am a day late in my November goal post I promised myself I’d write.

Better late than never, right?

With running/racing season nearing it’s end for me, I decided I would make goals for myself for each month of winter. Last winter was brutally rough for me, between being injured and living in Chiberia with the Polar vortex nearly wiping me out I knew I needed to start this winter off with a positive force.

November goals:

Yoga at least once per week

Weight training 3 times per week

Dreadmill running 2-3 times per week, even if its just a couple miles

Epsom salt baths, weekly

Continue decluttering at least ONE space in my house/life EVERY week (I will post for accountability)

Continue cataloging/blogging my recipes so I can get enough documented recipes to work on my e-cook book.

I’ll do a blog post each Sunday, reporting back how I did for the week. If you’d like to join in, HOLLA!

What are some of your November goals?

running

I’ve lost it…

November 1, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

In the past several weeks, going on just over a month actually, I have lost my motivation to run. Between the MasterChef gig, and ITB issues, running has been on the back burner in my life since my last half marathon in late September.

So looking at the calendar with my last half marathon for 2014 steadily approaching NEXT weekend, I find myself terrified.

For the first time I am toying with a DNS (did not start) because I just have no motivation/desire to run this race. I can’t believe I am saying those words but they couldn’t be more true. My longest long run was last weekend with 9 miles ran at a super slow pace.

Pretty sure I will look a lot like this next Sunday... — Pretty sure I will look a lot like this next Sunday…

But.

I paid for this race. I committed to run this race. So…I’ll run this race. Lord willing at least…

The forecast is terrible, with cold temps and rain/ice on deck.

Someone…help me find my motivation, QUICK.

How do you tackle lack of motivation in regards to running/racing?

❤ Michelle

moving forward, running, Thursday

Throwback, Thursday and moving forward

October 24, 2014October 24, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I have been toying with this post for a while, but between my computer dying and lack of time I put it off…

I had read a post on one of my favorite blogs a while back…www.ilaxstudio.com about whether or not you go back and delete old posts. My initial response was, “No, my blog is a catalog of my journey.” But tonight I decided to go back and read some old posts I had written since I started this blog back in 2011. Wow…it was an eye opener to read some of my early writings shortly after I retired from the Air Force. My initial blog was named “From blue, to jeans” but I’ve updated it to my current site in the last couple years.

Some of my posts were…well, sheer torture to read. Was I really so down in the dumps all the time? Was transitioning from the military, and being a single military wife for many months so hard? Apparently, yes, it was from what I read… I whined…a lot. Gah. So I deleted several posts tonight, because that just isn’t the course I need to take anymore. I’m sure I’ll go back and delete at least a few more. For moving forward to me, is a journey filled with change, positivity and not dwelling on the past. Sure, tough times are had by all…but I don’t need or want that sort of thing to be the premise of my writing. I’ve worked hard this last year or so to literally delete negativity from my life, because I have the tendency to get sucked in to that frame of mind and in all honestly-I want to break that pattern.

So tonight, after what was the busiest day I’ve encountered at my not so new job, I came home, and ran…just an easy 3.3 miles, but I ran none the less. I’ve lacked motivation these last few weeks coming off the Fox Valley half marathon with my hubby, but I know I’ve got a race coming up and I just can’t half ass it…it’s not in me to just wing it…My 11th half marathon in two weeks, the Naperville half marathon.

In doing so, I found my inspiration to finally write this post. I thought back to 2007 when with only 8 weeks to train I signed up for my first half marathon, the San Antonio Rock-n-Roll half marathon. Seven years ago, at this time I had hit a tough spot in life and decided to give my heart to distance running and I lost myself on the road. I ran the entire race, which was my goal…and I finished in 2:19 (I believe? how can I forget?)…I’ve ran 10 half marathons, but this one will always hold a special place in my heart.

My biggest fans after finishing my first half marathon in 2007!

I found myself there, on those 13.1 miles of streets, roads, and city sites…and although there have been bumps in the road, I now smile daily, and live to tell my story another day.

goals

Two things, Tuesday…or maybe more

October 22, 2014October 22, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

After my recent MasterChef open call experience, I gave myself a few days to regroup. I pouted a bit having not made it past the first round, watching simple pasta dishes and chicken salad make it through, and then I realized, reality TV is just that…reality. And possibly I was just a bit too boring for ratings. Ha, what little they know…but my story, and my dish wasn’t enough to get me through, so I now need to keep pushing myself forward. Why? Because my dreams are mine, and mine alone, and I am in control of my future. I took that step forward, and I keep telling myself THAT is what matters most.

So finally, after nearly three weeks of no running (and a looming half marathon in my future the second week of November) I decided to lace up and run last week. I ran 2 miles on the tready in the beginning of the week, and took my kids to a fun S’Mores run with my run club. I was on single Mom duty last week, but the girls and I had a blast.

My hubby came home early Saturday afternoon, so we were able to hit our run club dinner.

Sunday I knew I needed to at least attempt a pseudo long run…despite tummy issues I made it 4.5 miles, and simply enjoyed being outside in the beautiful fall weather before #Chiberia hits.

This is where I run....breathtaking. — This is where I run….breathtaking.

Tonight I made my yummy chicken soup for dinner…the recipe can be found here: https://movinitwithmichelle.com/2014/01/06/simply-chicken-soup/

At the end of the day, I know these things to be true:

1. I have dreams and goals of being more, and doing more for my family. But these goals don’t always pan out…that won’t stop me though.

2. Today I realized that although I work hard, and get paid crap, I find myself smiling so much my face hurts by the end of the day. That, my friends, is a priceless thing in life.

So with that, I encourage you all to keep moving forward…in life, in training, and in the goals you’ve set for yourself.

❤

Michelle

goals, moving forward, running, strength, training

Quick Fox Valley Half marathon recap

September 23, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

My computer official died. So my recap will be short as I’m posting via my phone.
We made it to the start with an hour to spare. I was oddly not nervous and was met up by my awesome friends. Brian was quiet but I believe he was excited.

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We started with the 9:30 group but quickly passed the group. Call it adrenaline. But we were cruising the first few miles. Seeing my family several times helped so much. But the hills at the 4 mile mark killed us. We slowed down and found a happy 9:24 pace.
We saw Andrea and her Do Epic Shit sign at the 5.5 mile mark and I knew we could run strong.
We continued on for several miles at a steady pace and I realized we were just short of a sub 2 half. Despite trying to push it my stomach had other plans and I had to slow it down. I felt my sport beans come up along with the Gatorade I shouldn't have drank and my heart sank a little.
Ten miles in I said, "If we push we can get a sub 2" but I knew it just wasn't in the cards for us. So we walked the last water stop as well as on the bridge leading to Mount St. Mary's park. Brian apologized and with tears in my eyes I said, "Don't you dare apologize. You're kicking butt." And as we came across the corner to the Illinois Street bridge where we saw the finish line, Brian grabbed my hand and choked back a sob. We ran in to the finish line hand in hand. He immediately embraced me and we cried.

We did this. Together. And I couldn’t be more proud. 2:05 was our official finish time.
And we did this. Together. Oh. I said that already.

And now. He’s got the bug. And I’m giddy all over again. 🙂

goals, moving forward, Three things, Thursday

Three things, Thursday…

September 12, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

1. I haven’t ran in 6 days…after a wonderful weekend in Chicago this past weekend, I caught my death with who knows which strand of flu. I felt it hit Monday night and it took it’s toll on my body, and my mental strength to say the least. I have prided myself in my mental strength over the years not only in regards to running, but life in general as I’ve been hit with more than I’d wish on my worst enemy in my lifetime. But Tuesday night after being sent home from work (NEVER happens) I cried. I’ve worked so hard this summer training with my husband for his first half marathon, to not run for a WEEK is killer to the mind and soul. Because if I don’t run, well, he doesn’t either…so I hope this doesn’t hurt HIM in our race next weekend. We are going to run tomorrow, regardless of how I feel…I don’t want to let him down.

2. I am in awe of the friends and family who reached out to me this week. My immediate family, friends both near and far, and even coworkers texted to see if I needed anything. I feel. so. loved. Additionally, I realized I need to stop chasing people who just don’t give a shit about me even if they are blood. I’ve unfollowed several this week, and will continue to squelch negative energy from my life. For I have so many blessings that surround me. Chasing long lost hopes for relationships that used to exist is a waste of my blood, sweat, and tears. Just because you were close to someone decades ago, doesn’t mean that relationship will last. Move on. ‘Nuff said.

3. Today marked the 13th anniversary of the September 11th bombings. I never do very well on this day…I remember the call, the terror, and the sense of urgency that was felt while I was stationed at Scott Air Force Base, IL in 2001. I remember working more hours than I can count that day as our blood donor center was activated. I remember the buzz of the Humvees that circled the base’s perimeter. I remember my friends and I huddled in my tiny trailer home, tightly snuggled on my couch, watching the news and people falling from the top of the towers. I remember tears, pain, and a newfound love for my Air Force family. We were bonded so closely, but this brought us even closer together. Our lives, will never be the same, and if asked I could name every single person that sat with me on that grave evening.

This post has no pictures, gifs, or the like.

It’s simply a real post of ME, and all I have held close to me in my 41 years.

And it encompasses my mantra…#keepmovinforward

moving forward, running, Three things, Thursday, Uncategorized

Three things, Thursday

August 29, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Three things Thursday

Training is coming along nicely for our half marathon. It’s hard to believe in just over 3 weeks my hubby and I will be crossing the finish line of his first half marathon, and my 11th (I think-I really need to count up my races). Despite only running twice last week due to weather issues, we haven’t missed many training runs and we’ve gotten all of our long runs in. Saturday will mark our last long run before we start to taper down, and we will be joining the Fox Valley crew for the 6th and last organized group training run. We’ll still be running long of course, just not in an organized group. I am also volunteering again this year, and have taken on the co-director roll of volunteers. This is no easy task, but rewarding none the less. We even get cool director race bling.

This is my happy place all summer long...here we are at our 4th training run I believe. — This is my happy place all summer long…here we are at our 4th training run I believe.

Time has a funny way of healing past hurts. I know, it’s a saying everyone’s heard, “Time heals all wounds,” but I am not sure it ever truly HEALS our wounds, more so it helps us learn how to deal with them and move forward. I’ve always been one to forgive, but forgetting is something I’ve never mastered, nor do I really want to in all honestly. For if you let history repeat itself, let that guy keep abusing you, let that friend keep hurting you, let that coworker keep bullying you-you have no one to blame but yourself. I was the victim for quite a few years, and I didn’t like myself all that much back then, if I am being truly honest. So with TIME…I’ve learned to forgive, but remember always the lessons learned from the hurts I’ve encountered in my life.

As it’s nearing Tapering time, I remember how tough of a time I had last year tapering during full marathon training. I never get the full feeling of “taper madness” during half marathon training I assume from the obvious less mileage you put in during half marathon training. It’s kinda nice to be honest…hehe I am enjoying it while I can, as I know February will be here before I know it and full marathon training will begin for me again!

LOL...I didn't get to run today due to storms. "Honey, are you ok you seem grumpy today?" I am fine. LOL — LOL…I didn’t get to run today due to storms. “Honey, are you ok you seem grumpy today?” I am fine. LOL

Questions!!!!!

Are you training for anything? How’s it going for you?

Do you have tips on moving forward in regards to past hurts?

Taper madness-agree?

Tag: running

Naperville Half Marathon 2014 race recap

Naperville Half marathon preparation and packet pick up

Surgery and smiles, and some shrimp too…My nearly Wordless Wednesday post

November goals…

I’ve lost it…

Throwback, Thursday and moving forward

Two things, Tuesday…or maybe more

Quick Fox Valley Half marathon recap

Three things, Thursday…

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