training – Page 2 – Movin' it with Michelle

Tuesday Truths!

January 14, 2015January 14, 2015 Movin' it with Michelle

First off, I am so very pleased to have been asked by Christina @crazymamarunner to tell my story about why I chose to run a marathon. I was highlighted on her blog this week, and you can read the story HERE . I found my eyes welling with tears as I read what she wrote, and re-read what I submitted to her. Please take a moment to check it out!!

Secondly, as most of you know I have struggled with my running this ~~and last~~ winter. Initially due to the artic blast we received far too early this winter, and ultimately ending with a nasty cut on my thumb Christmas day…in case you missed it, the story is HERE . For the first couple weeks my thumb throbbed so terribly I could barely sleep, and hardly fathom running. Along with this lack of motivation came laziness and poor eating. Woops. I fell in to that trap. Darn it all to H E double hockey sticks. Yeah…I went there. LOL

But this weekend despite crazy work hours and schedule I decided since my hubby was leaving at O dark 30 to travel this morning, I would run on the dreadmill tonight after work. I told my family, and posted on my FB fan page to hold myself accountable. I NEEDED to run at least 2 miles.

In stepped my friend Maria from @Runningflaps FB fan page. We made a virtual date, and I was so giddy to have ‘someone’ to run with even if it was virtually. I picked up my youngest from after school care and headed home. And as I pulled on my shorts and tank that was just a bit too tight for my comfort I found myself cringing. I shook it off, and headed down stairs to the mill. I decided to take some of my followers advice and turned on Netflix, season one of Grey’s Anatomy. I started slow, and found myself wanting to give up. And this I received THIS text:

I made it two miles, and although they weren’t pretty miles, I didn’t give up. I feel like I am starting from square one, but I am at least starting. It’s truly amazing what a month+ can do for your endurance…or should I say how it KILLS your endurance.

Pretty much how I feel...LOL — Pretty much how I feel…LOL

So I ran 2 miles, and although it was tough I finished.

Day 13 of the AB challenge is done, and I am realizing quick I need to get myself in to gear for next month when my “real” training starts. Darn my passion and love for food at times like these. Give me ALL. The. Veggies and someone take away my quinoa chips…PLZ. #alwayshungry

So tonight’s Truth is this:

Don’t give up, no matter the obstacles, what the scale says, or how your clothes fit. Keep movin’ forward, and the pieces will fall in to place!

❤ 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, moving forward

Decluttering

November 7, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Having been in the military for 20 years, I have found myself with the stigmatism of being a hoarder. Be it clothes, receipts, paperwork, junk drawers, and old tee shirts that I just MIGHT need one day…I KEEP. ALL. THE. JUNK. I believe this also stems from having gone from living pay check to pay check to well, still living pay check to pay check at the age of nearly 42. What if I ‘need’ that such and such…what if I run out of ‘whatever’…I must. keep. it. ALL. I remember back in the day, taking toilet paper from the gym locker room home because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to afford to buy more…Yes…I was that girl.

But in all honestly, despite bills and debt, I have enough. I can let ‘things’ go…finally.

But it’s hard…I am only human. That pair of earrings I wore in 2002 can be donated…really. That race shirt I earned at a local 5k that never really fit can be given to charity. That cute top I wore in 2006 when my husband commented how pretty I looked, yet it no longer fits can be set aside for my Goodwill donation…really.

BUT. I will keep the dress I wore, over 10 years ago to meet my husband’s plane when he returned from Afghanistan. Sorry hoard police…that one will stay hanging neatly in my closet, collecting well deserved dust. It’s not going anywhere. Some things, I just can’t let go…

I tackled my bedroom tonight. My closet and my dresser are my enemy when it comes to hoarding…am I the only one that couples clothes with memories? Ack, make it stop! After nearly 2 hours I had 1 bag of trash, 1 bag to sell at consignment, and 2 bags of clothes to donate. I felt accomplished. I tied the bags up neatly, and walked away. This is my preemptive strike to move forward in all aspects of my life.

I got my work out in as well, although short in length, I felt I got my ‘swole’ on, LOL

And now, after venting about my long day to my husband, I am listening to Josh Groban, “You raise me up” and am reminded to hold those close to me, who lift me up…Constantly, consistently…and always.

Sweet dreams, gang…

Questions…do you purge? Do you have a hard time letting things go?

dedication, Friday, goals

Five things, Friday…Contentment

October 25, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Tonight’s word is something I have fought with for a long time.

CONTENTMENT

I often listen to Christian radio on the way to work to help clear my mind. One of the messages this week was to be content with what we have, for God provides what we need. I’ve battled with this sentiment for a long time. I’ve always wanted more, wanted a better career, a bigger bank account, better clothes for my kids, trips, etc etc etc…Yet hearing this message last week was like a slap in the face to get my act together and be CONTENT with what I have…Because in all honestly, I have a lot in life.

I have a healthy and happy family that battles the same struggles as everyone else. I have a job in which I can come home from most days, smiling. I have some pretty great friends, both near and far geographically yet all are close to my heart. I have an amazing husband, and 2 beautiful daughters who may test my patience, but that I love dearly. And above all, we have our health. Hearing the news of a dear friend battling stage 3 cancer today brought things full circle. I need to be content. End of story.

Our finish line photo...my biggest fan, and now running partner. — Our finish line photo…my biggest fan, and now running partner.

I have a husband who sacrificed months to train with me for his first half marathon, simply to experience this finish line feeling WITH me.

And today, while he had a day off work, he prepared for me this yummy meal…just because.

I received this awesome reminder walking out of work today of God’s amazing creatures…I’ve always believed in lady bug luck, and this little dude accompanied me to my Jeep after work today.

And at the end of the day, I recounted my blessings, re-reading text messages and posts from my friends over the last several weeks. These friends applauded my MasterChef journey as short as it was, and continue to cheer me on to help me find my motivation to run again.

But my biggest fans, are my daughters. And this little mini still argues that the judges got it all wrong. She told me, that this week she prayed after having a tough time at school, exclaiming, “Mommy, HE listened!” And a part of me melted…

With that, I leave you with the thought that moving forward is key…in life, in running, in friendships, and in family. Hang on tight to those who lift you up…

❤

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

dedication, food, goals, moving forward

Sometimes you have to step back to move forward

September 9, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t blogged in over a week. There. I said it. My computer is on the fritz, and to be honest I’ve needed to just unplug somewhat lately. Less…well, is more lately. Sometimes you just need a little support and feedback, and social media has more than disappointed me lately. Bah.

But some key bullet points go a little like this…

We’ve remained nearly on point for our half marathon training. We did our last super longish run on Friday night, despite the crazy rain, thunderstorms, and tornado warnings. 10 miles, done. We will do our miles this week, and a semi-long run this weekend to keep consistency but embracing the taper. Our race is less than 2 weeks away!

We went to Chicago last weekend to get some much needed downtime, and enjoyed some amazing food.

This afternoon my eldest texted me a photo of a note that her “friend” wrote her asking her to homecoming. My heart was so happy for her, yet sad for me as I see my baby girl growing up into a lady…please. stop. time. But I am thankful she shared this moment, with me…

Tonight, my youngest started her first ballet class, and despite feeling very rushed after work to get home, feed the kids, get homework squeezed in, and a quick shower, (ack, holy commas) we made it to class by 6 pm. I snuck quite a few peeks in the window, and was taken aback by my daughter’s grace. She lacks focus, she has a hard time staying on track…but she would see me watching and all of a sudden her ‘position’ moves became seamless. I couldn’t help but to smile behind my tears. My parents were always too busy to put me in activities, and I find myself often in the same situation. So making time for this one hour per week class is almost selfish for it’s for ME too…seeing her joy brings ME such joy. It’s worth missing out on a run/workout to see her face light up.

We watched Master Chef tonight…and although I may have sidelined my audition for yet another year due to financial constraints, I still get that pull to my heart watching the contestants compete each week. Yet I know I don’t have the confidence or skill quite yet…but it’s coming.

So this year I will regroup. Refocus. And cook my heart out by recipe from world renowned cook books that sit on my shelf collecting dust.

I may or may not go to the casting call of Master Chef in Chicago on October 11th. I need to dig deep. And believe. But I also know our family cannot sustain on one income.

Time will tell…

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?

dedication

Two things, Tuesday…

August 20, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

Tonight marks the eve of school starting in the Chicagoland area. My oldest starts her journey in HIGH SCHOOL tomorrow, and my youngest starts her 3rd grade year in elementary school.

Firstly…

My nostalgia is at an all time high, so I spent the evening helping the girls clean their rooms, pack their bags, and pick out their first day of school outfits since my work hours don’t allow me to see them for more than a few minutes in the morning. I choked back the tears after just hugging my eldest “J” wishing her a good day at school tomorrow. “Don’t cry, Mom” she said…”I’m not crying” I responded despite choking back the tears. THIS girl, who has given me more grief than I care to admit, holds a special place in my heart for it was just her and I for nearly 4 years. I divorced shortly after she was born, and from then on out it was me and her. Her. And me. And we make a pretty darn good pair despite butting heads more days than not.

My youngest is my spit fire…my little zest for life who could care less about schedule or time. Her passion for life makes my heart sing, and my head hurt as I struggle with teachers to get her to focus vs. daydream and want to create. I don’t want to squelch her zest, but reeling it in the last few years has caused me more stress than I care to admit. How does one balance this passion? I know, with time…she’ll get it. But in the mean time, her passion and smile keep me singing…both on the trails and in my home. Look at these smiles…life. is. good.

Secondly…

I have reclaimed my love for running with a partner. And this just isn’t any ole partner. It’s my husband.

I came home from work today tired. Last night we were hit with crazy thunderstorms and I slept all of maybe 3 hours. I wanted to crawl into a tiny little ball on my recliner and nap. Yet as I walked into the door after work, there was my husband ready in his running clothes and welcoming me with a smile and a kiss. I ensured the kids and dog were fed, and changed my clothes for our 5k run that was on our training schedule. It was hot. Nearly 90 degrees hot. But we ran. I had a hard time the first mile, but settled in quickly at a 9:30ish pace. Not where near where our race pace needs to be, but less than our long run pace lately. And I found myself running, singing, dancing to my own beat…settling in on a cadence only I know…we stopped a couple times to drink, complained about the humidity, and continued on. And despite the humidity, we smiled…high fived. And moved forward. In just four weeks we will be crossing the finish line for my husband’s first half marathon. And I am in awe already of his dedication for training.

So my two things Tuesday encompass family and friends. You know…the ones that are always there despite all time lows or all time highs. And, a little bit of this…

Sweet dreams, Movers. Remember to hang on to those constants. They won’t let you down.

❤ Michelle

dedication, food, moving forward, running

It’s been a busy week…

August 4, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I have really tried to keep up with my blog, as I truly love this outlet for writing and sharing my story. But sometimes, life tends to get in the way of allowing us ‘free time’ for things we love.

But this week I spent the week doing things I love. My job, running, spending time with family and friends, and cooking.

Here is my week, (more so weekend) in pictures.

My work week was busy to say the least, and despite wanting to crawl in to bed Friday night and ignore life and my upcoming alarm that was set for Saturday morning at O DARK 30, I knew I needed to get my gear ready for my 9 mile run. It still amazes me that 9 miles is now LONG for me, but I embrace it all the same as I’ve taken this year off for full marathon distance.

I made my obligatory pasta, set my gear out, and hit the hay by 10 pm.

Rice pasta with sausage....yum! — Rice pasta with sausage….yum!

I wish I could say my 9 mile run was great. But it wasn’t. It sucked. It was humbling. And I thought back to last year when I was at 16 miles at this point…I couldn’t hold pace…I thought I was going to #pantsmypoop and I wanted to die…a little. But I finished. And despite major suckage, I felt strong regardless. #nowwhereismyfoamroaller

Overall 9:41 pace, NOT where I need to be... — Overall 9:41 pace, NOT where I need to be…

I came home, showered, and tried to nap before heading out to my nieces and nephew’s bday party. Sleep was not happening, so I got up showered, and was blessed to spend time with my immediate family. I love these people. More than life itself, and I found myself hugging them all a little tighter.

It truly baffles my mind that my kids, and nieces and nephews are growing up so fast. Where does the time go?

I spent the evening later, with my amazing friends who live next door, talking, laughing, and drinking wine/water while sitting by a fire.

Today was a busy day filled with school clothes shopping at Once Upon a child and Plato’s closet. I refuse to buy brand new, and simply can’t afford to do so…200 dollars later, my kids are set. Plus we had fun planning for my youngest daughter’s 8th birthday party.

At the end of the day, I realize this…my training runs may not always go as planned. I may not always have enough time or money to keep things moving forward. BUT. I always have my friends and family to keep my spirits UP.

Tonight I made stuffed zucchini that I acquired from my amazing next door neighbors. It was easy, healthy, and delish!

Prep time, layered with pork/beef, eggplant, marinara sauce and cheese

Finished product, served over quinoa with oyster mushrooms

My youngest daughter turns 8 on Tuesday…which means no more car/booster seats in my future, and another milestone knocked off my list. My kids are growing up, and I find myself growing up with them….

I have a bad temper, lack of patience, and have too much on my plate most days. But THEY have helped me be a better person, Mom, and friend.

But all of these joys that I continue to pour myself in to each day make all the bad just a little bit better. I used to tell myself that one day things would get easier. Yet I’ve realized things DON’T get easier, EVER. You just get better at dealing with it all….

And it’s never easy. But you get stronger, every single, day. If you choose to do so…

So this week will be crazy busy, and I am ok with that…because I choose…to keep movin’ forward.

How was your week?

Do you lay your running gear the night before?

Do you like to cook?

❤ Michelle

goals, moving forward

Monday Motivation, and stuff…

July 15, 2014 Movin' it with Michelle

I didn’t get my run in, Sunday. Nope…although I had planned on a quick short run of 3 miles, my body protested and instead I found myself stripping off my scrubs Sunday at 3 p.m. and pouring myself into the freshly washed sheets that embraced me lovingly with their freshly perfumed scent after just coming out of the dryer. I set my alarm for 4:30, smiled sheepishly at my running shoes, and as soon as my head hit the pillow I was OUT.

Yup...this was totally ME. — Yup…this was totally ME.

Work this weekend…well, was work. I am so far out of my comfort zone trying to manage an ENTIRE laboratory vs. just my section so by Sunday afternoon my brain was fried. Between nasty phone calls from angry customers, and trying to troubleshoot problems in which I didn’t even understand the process, I needed a NAP. Hmmm…this seems to becoming a pattern on my blog lately, no? LOL

I admit, I don’t get enough sleep…my “free time” in the evening starts at around 8-9 p.m. and with that, I mean time to get cleaning, laundry, meals prepped and chores done that I’ve let pile up far too long…But I wouldn’t trade a single second for the world. Although I’d love if someone went grocery shopping for me, since I forgot to squeeze that in today…

Sunday night, I was blessed to spend the evening with friends, celebrating one of my running friends birthday. It took my break away, the love that can be felt in a room full of people who primarily run together. We don’t work together, we don’t have kids in the same schools or sports, we don’t go out very often outside of lacing up in the wee hours of the morning to run or race. But get a group like this together on any given night, let alone a birthday and you will feel the connection and bond for miles. These friends have stuck with you in the toughest of miles, they have laughed with you on long runs when your delirious mode sets in full force, and they have helped keep you motivated to KEEP MOVIN’ FORWARD.

Some of my amazing running friends...<3 — Some of my amazing running friends…<3

Last night, I caught this GREAT shot of the super moon…and it was retweeted by the Kane County Chronicle! YAY ME! I love capturing awesome moments with my camera.

Today, I was able to reconnect with my sister that I haven’t seen since May. She and I, along with my kids, and hers minus 1 met for lunch today. IT WAS GREAT. Man I miss those little people (although most of them tower over me already, lol), and her SO much. We’ve agreed this will become a habit!!! It was great to chat, eat good food, and just let the kids be silly. Maybe too silly for a restaurant, but hey, they don’t see each other very often, LOL. She has always been such a huge inspiration to me, and I need to make more time for her and her amazing family.

A shout out to my sister...who didn't leave my side for 26.2 miles in 2012, and in life. LOVE. But who is that random dude to our left? LOL — A shout out to my sister…who didn’t leave my side for 26.2 miles in 2012, and in life. LOVE. But who is that random dude to our left? LOL

I should’ve come home and cleaned…but instead I watched “Hook” with my daughters after running to Target for new swimsuits for our mini-vacation to Michigan in 2 weeks. My first “Mom” suit, and I think it’s pretty cute!

Does it make me old to really think this suit is amazing?

I did make this amazing crab salad for dinner. Super easy, and pretty healthy. I also made my own take on dressing using blue cheese yogurt dressing, to which I added crumbled bacon, chives, and garlic to make it complete! DELISH!

This took literally 15 minutes to make! And my kids loved it!

I’ve been pretty lax in my training this summer, and I have to admit despite missing the mileage of a full marathon training schedule, it has been great just having fun with my running. The winter of 2015 will bring full marathon training and I know my legs will thank me for relaxing this summer/fall.

At the end of the day, I find myself beyond thankful that I have remained pretty healthy despite my right knee acting up from time to time. I think resting last winter and running only casually helped, and I will repeat this “resting” process as my knees have nearly 30 years of mileage on them.

Do you allow yourself time to rest?

Thanks for all the amazing support…y’all rock!

❤ Michelle

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