Just wanted to do a Vlog today instead of a blog...just to kind of say hi, it's me...ignore the fact that I'm not wearing any makeup, the light is hitting the side of my face and the fact that I'm a total newbie at vlogging...is that even a word? Anyhoo, nice to meet y'all and have a great day.

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. "Limitations only exist if you let them" © 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Sidelined Due To Injury...

I am not even sure I am ready to talk about this yet but feel I should write my thoughts down for posterity sake. 

My 16 year old son and I were on a 10 mile training run last Wednesday and things were actually going pretty good, when I started to have a nagging pain in my pelvic structure.  (At this point I should have walked home)The pain wasn't unbearable and being a runner who has dealt with aches and pains before, I just ran through it, stupid, I know, but a fact none the less. 

By the time we were less than a mile from home, my son and I decided we should do some high intensity cardio so we raced home, he ran all the way but I ended up having to walk the last three tenths of a mile home, limping badly I might add.  I could hardly put any weight on my right leg as it hurt to do so.  

We got inside and I immediately sat down and put my legs up for a few minutes to see if that would help.  Needless to say, it did not, when I got up I could hardly walk without limping and wincing in pain. After taking a shower and getting dressed I took stock of the pain etc and went straight to the computer to research what it could be. 

(Anyone who knows me will tell you that when something is wrong with me or someone I love, I research the hell out of it, it's just my thing.  I like to know everything there is to know about an illness or injury so that I know what I'm dealing with and how to best deal with it and eventually overcome it.  Research is my hobby, and reading about what my body is going through as a runner has been extremely helpful, it's how I cope.)

After poking and prodding around trying to identify if it was muscle, tendon or bone pain, I felt around to see if there was a sore point on the pelvic bones themselves or the muscle and tendons around them. I found one very sore spot on the inferior pubic ramus or the right side looped pubic bone that lies where the leg, butt and pelvis meet the body between the legs.  I then pulled up several pictures of the pelvic structure and found out what those bones looked like and what they were called exactly.

Fractured Inferior Pubic Ramus (not mine)

Then I took my research even further and looked up everything I could find on forums etc about pelvic stress fractures in runners.  Surprisingly everything I read was spot on what I am feeling and the pain I am dealing with.  Five days later I have no muscle or tendon soreness at all, just bone pain at the inferior pubic ramus bone on the right side.  I have no relief at all unless I am staying still, but even then there is a constant deep ache and pain has started to radiate down into my legs.

As I learn more I will share that with you. At this time I am just so sad to learn that all I have been training for has just been wiped out just like that. My entire summer has just been rewritten and a new play is in the works...ugh, I'm not sure I want to have to deal with this but I don't actually have any other choice but to buck up and recover like the warrior I have become.  If I can overcome cancer I can do this! I hope all of you stick with me, because I am not going anywhere and I plan on running again as soon as I am physically able to.   

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Half-Marathon Training Week...8

Sunday-Rest Day.

Monday-Ran 3 miles, biked 10 miles for a total of 75 minutes. I was going to run a few more miles but decided to go to my gym (YMCA) and get some biking done!

Tuesday-CT Day. 30 minutes of Crunch, Boot Camp Training. This was actually a lot of fun and I was able to keep up with everything, by the end I had worked up quite a sweat.  There was a lot of weights involved as well as pushups, jumping jacks, plank type moves, etc.

Wednesday-Ran 10 miles with my son who is training for the half-marathon in September. 113 minutes total time. Run was great, up until about the last mile or so...intense pain in pelvic region...hardly able to walk at all.  Not sure, but I think it may be a stress fracture of the inferior or superior pubic ramus.  I will post more on this as I get more information/diagnosis.  I am sad and frustrated that this has happened just when I was really getting into the training plan and double digit runs.  My whole life/summer has now changed in ways I don't even want to think about.

Thursday-unable to walk or put weight on right leg as it hurts the pelvic bone.

Friday-injured...pain constant, and now radiating down my legs.

Saturday-injured...

Miles Ran/Biked/Walked=23
Minutes Ran/Biked/Walked=188 

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. "Limitations only exist if you let them" © 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Half-Marathon Training Week...7

Sunday-Rest Day. IT band bothering me on right leg.  Not as bad as the last time I dealt with this pain on my left side, so that is good.  Had a great Mother's Day, my mama came over and we enjoyed a movie (Dark Shadows) and a little dinner at Wendy's.

Monday-Rest Day. Still having a bit of IT pain, so taking it easy for one more day.

Tuesday-Ran 3 miles this morning and another 2+ this evening.  58 minutes.  Decided to wear my new pink socks today and I actually liked how my legs felt with them on.  They (the socks, not my legs) have a bit of stretch/compression to them so it was a nice feeling.

My New Favorite Socks

Wednesday-Rest Day? I may take a walk with a friend/co-worker later today, and then maybe a run later tonight when it cools down. We shall see....

Well, I did do an hour of walking with my friend tonight on a local trail through our All Sports Park...3.47 miles.  The wind was blowing and the sun was out...beautiful but warm.  This was the first time I have ever been on the trails (except for when I raced on them last weekend) and we discovered some beautiful water fountains, the geese that stay here year round and a lot of beautiful nature (trees, creeks, birds).

Thursday-No run last night but ran 10 miles this morning with my new hydration back pack...loved it! 1hr 45minutes 13 seconds...it was absolutely beautiful weather to run in, a little overcast and a tad breezy but not cold...perfect!  Having some pain in my left foot but not bad enough to stop running, it is just a niggle of pain here and there.  This last week I was having a strange pain at the 5th metatarsal bone but it came and went very quickly at odd times.

Friday-Cross Train Day. Walked approximately 5miles and 160 minutes. My daughter and I walked all over our town and took pictures of the Art Bears that are placed all over the main streets every year. Here are just a few of them. I do so love my town, they do this every year when it gets warm, but this is the first time I have done a walking tour with Miss Molly and taken pictures.  

By the time we started home my sore foot was really bothering me every time I stepped down and lifted off of it.  I am hoping it is not a stress fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone, which I hear is a most common fracture for a runner.

Molly w/abstract art bear

Artistic bear

Love this Autumn Themed Bear

Gold Nugget Bear (look in mouth)

Saturday-Rest Day. I pretty much rested all day with my foot up.  I did go to Old Navy and get some summer flip flops and a pair of compression running shorts (score!) and then to my Niece's Bridal Shower, where I won a candle and ate some delicious cake!

Miles Ran or Walked=23.47
Minutes Ran or Walked=383
 

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

10 Mile Run...First Double Digit Training Run

Today was my very first kick-ass double digit training run, ever.  This morning I just got it into my mind that as soon as my children were off to the institution School I was going to attempt my longest run yet! 

So I grabbed a LARA Bar and some coffee before getting dressed to run.  I also got my new hydration pack filled and ready, then I got all the zippers zipped (all one of them) and put a granola bar in the pocket as well as my I.D. and money for cherry gummy candies (we'll call them energy gels). 

What I still haven't acquired

I started out my run just like every other training run, slow and easy allowing my muscles to warm up at a steady pace.  It was great weather for running and I was going to enjoy it.  This route was a new one for me but I really enjoyed the different scenery I came across.  Thank goodness there were no vicious or rabid dogs to deal with or zombies street people. My other long route tends to go through some questionable parts of town, so this was a nice change of pace.

Seriously, it's true

I made sure to run against traffic, mostly in the bike lane (it's more flat and even) and I wore a bright neon yellow hat so as to be more noticeable. I also wrote a note and left it on my counter, telling my family what my route would be and when I left the house, just in case something happened and I didn't show up for work or return home safely.  Obviously nothing bad happened, but it's better to be safe than sorry.  They (the hubs and my boys) don't like me running alone when they are gone to work or school, but a girl's gotta get her run in sometime, right!


About the halfway mark I needed a quick pick me up so I stopped at a market I've never been to, grabbed a bag of gummy candies (energy gels...lol) and according to the moron store clerk, since I didn't buy $5 worth of stuff he was going to have to charge me an extra $.50 cents for using my bank card...lame! My hubs and I don't charge people at our stores to use their cards...so not cool! It is what it is, but I won't be going back there, my hubby hates when I go to the competition anyway.

I really felt good when I made it back home a mere hour and 45 minutes later...I was shocked at my time.  I am the first to admit I'm a slower runner but I was very happy with my time, especially since I want to take these long training runs slower and at a more easy pace.  I feel I killed it really accomplished that goal today.

Unfortunately the allergies are acting up and I am completely plugged up, running from the nose, throat scratchy and irritated and just plain feel miserable every day in the evening.  I can't tolerate allergy medicine, it usually knocks me plumb out, but I do take some at night and that has been helping me get some much needed sleep. Here's to hoping my allergies ease up some and I can breathe better soon. 

I can't wait for my next long run next week, my son and I will be doing the 10 miles again, since I have time to double up my long runs.  Happy running my friends.  Stay safe. 

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Race Recap and More

Post race

Well the race was a lot of fun, even if it was quite a bit smaller than anticipated.  When my son and I got there it didn't really look like a lot was going on and not really any different than any other morning at the YMCA.


Little by little people started to trickle in but alas it was a very small, if not happy, crowd.  They even had two massage tables set up, I should have gotten one after the race but did not win that prize.  Jake and I cheered on the 5k racers when they took off and encouraged them on their way back into the home stretch. We then estimated what our times would be for the 5miles...I said mine would be 55-57 and he said his would be in the 40's...we were close.


A lot of people were just so encouraging, and I like to see that in a race, it just makes you feel so much better knowing that people (strangers) are cheering you on to the finish line.


The 5mile racers lined up and with the blow of an air-horn we were off.  My son and I were up in the front and took off, the race wound around the horse track by the YMCA and off into the foot path/bridge of our All sports park.  There was a volunteer at every turn so it was easy peasy to stay on the route.


On the 4th or so turn there was a woman, man and their baby volunteering...so nice, the woman called out, "I love the flower in your hair".  That made my day! After all, I love to look fashionable, lol.


About half-way through I started to feel tired, but pushed through it and just tried to enjoy being out there.  Right around the half-way mark I could hear someones shoes slapping the pavement behind me, so I knew I was not last and that they were pursuing me.  One thing about me is I don't ever want to be last or passed up by someone younger.


I turned 41 in January and feel somewhat competitive with others, but I really don't feel 41, more like early 30's.  So as soon as I heard there was someone behind me I started to pick it up little by little to make sure they did not pass me.  


Part of the run was on the bark path of the sports park and that was a first for me.  Bark is not that great to run on, it gets in your sock and shoe...but it is soft to run on.  Well on the last half mile she (the one behind me) caught up to me and for a bit we ran side by side.  She was probably 30 something and her family was out there cheering her on, and just about then I decided to utilize all that speed work I have been doing lately...so I sped up and never looked back. (During the awards ceremony she looked over and gave me a congratulatory wink!)


I race through the finish as fast as my legs could carry me and finished ahead of her, right into my son, who was waiting patiently to give me a high five.  It was an awesome experience running with him.  During the last half of the race I could see him ahead of me and really thought I could maybe catch him, but somewhere around the half mile to go mark he caught some wind and just took off.  


He only finished 1 minute and 3 seconds ahead of me, due to a lower leg muscle problem he was having.  We then went to the food and water tables and enjoyed some fixings while we waited around for the official stats and award ceremony.  We ran into one of my son's math teachers from the high school, he ran the 5k with his two little girls, one of which ended up with the grand prize (for the kids) bike!


Although we (my son and I) didn't win a ribbon, we both walked away with prizes.  I won a bucket w/tools from Home Depot and he won a Subway $5 gift card.  Of course, the biggest prize being that I was blessed to race with one of my son's, my Mother's Day gift to myself.

updated award board

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day with your families.  Mine was beautiful.  My children made me a breakfast of half a Belgian waffle, scrambled eggs (just like I like them) and orange juice and coffee.  Then they cleaned up the kitchen, did laundry, and took me shopping.  We got me a hydration pack for my long training runs and new bright pink running socks.

Woohoo, sexy!

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Half-Marathon Training...Week 5 (last weeks post)

Ms. M

Sunday-Long (20 mile) bike ride with Miss Molly.  100 minutes.  Had a great time just riding around my neighborhood and enjoying time with little miss.  She actually isn't that little, she will be 12 come July...but she is still my little miss.  Once again I got sunburned...when will I learn to put more sunscreen on?  I guess the stuff I have is just not strong enough...and then there is the little ditty of how pale I am...that doesn't exactly help matters.

Monday-3 mile run.  30 minutes. Easy run, really just wanted to take it easy.  Glad that I did.

Tuesday-4.2 mile run/walk.  60 minutes.   I took Miss M. around the block (.6 miles) a few times getting her used to running, I am taking her through the C25K program, or at least a loose version of it.    This morning I did do some cross training/hip strengthening exercises.  I did some squats, squat jumps, hip bridges, donkey kicks, fire hydrants, and some push ups.

Totally wrung out

Wednesday-1.4 mile walk.  20 minutes.  Easy cross training/rest day.  


Thursday-11.5 mile bike.  57 minutes.  I decided to do an extreme ride on the Expresso Bike at my local YMCA.  This was a very hard ride, there were a lot of hills and quite a bit of sweating going on. The ride is a new one called Lost Valley and I burned approximately 553 calories.  I earned my double centurion award for 200 miles ridden since joining sometime in February 2012.  This was the message that came with my award posting to Facebook. (To achieve Double Centurion, Shannon rode the Expresso Bike for total 16:02:51 and burned 7,442 calories.)  My next award is at 500 miles.

Friday-Rest Day

Saturday-Rest Day

Miles Run, Biked and walked this week=40.1 

Minutes=267

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Half-Marathon Training...Week 6

Sunday-Ran 8.5 miles.  1 hour 52 minutes and 25 seconds.  Not that I'm counting or anything strange like that.  The sun was out and there was a light wind and it felt great.  The first half of the run is almost entirely uphill so it was hard work, but the last half was a rewarding downhill run most of the way home.  I did wear sunscreen and sunglasses as well as a hat so I went prepared.  I even carried a water bottle and refilled at the halfway point.

How I felt during my long run

Monday-Rest Day.  Did some squats, hip bridges and more squats.  I am trying to not only strengthen my hip flexors but also I am trying to lift my booty.  I want a J-Lo butt, I am woman enough to admit that.

Tuesday-Ran 3.6 miles...40 minutes.  Took this run nice and slow with a speed session in the last 5 tenths of a mile. It was a short speed session but one none the less.

Wednesday-Rest Day/Cross Training...

2 sets of squats, one with no weight and one set with 8lb weight bar. 


2 sets of mountain climbers, 114 all together.


2 sets of push-ups, 41 all together.


2 sets of donkey kicks left and right legs, 104 all together.


3 minutes of planks, side planks, hip bridges, bicycle crunches.


2 minutes of leg circles. Working inner thighs.

50 minutes of stationary bike, 14-16mph for most of the ride at resistance level between 7-11...3 speed sprints on resistance 4...calories burned, between 540-640.

Thursday-Rest Day.  Did absolutely nothing except take it easy!

Friday-Another Rest Day...need to keep legs fresh for Saturday's 5mile run.

Rest Day

Saturday-5 mile race.  50:20 was my time.  I am pretty happy with that, especially because I figured my time would be 55-57.  Like I've said I'm not that fast, but I always have fun on my races.  Unfortunately there wasn't a very big turnout this year so not as much competition and no ribbon for me!  That's okay with me because I am really only there to get the t-shirt and bib!

Jacob and I post race

Miles this week=17.1 running Approx. 12-13 Biking
Minutes run or biked this week=3 hrs and 32 minutes
Minutes doing calisthenics=10 minutes (pretty wimpy) 

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them"

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Friday Blog Hop..Why Not!

Go on over to Nichole's Blog Local Sugar & What Jean Likes and link up with other bloggers out there...and who knows, you may find someone with similar goals and or interests as you. Have a great Friday blog-hopping all over the great blogosphere!

I realize that I don't usually do this type of post but I figured it is a great way to meet other bloggers and get "I Survived & Now I Run" out there to some other circles.  God bless and have a great day!

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

This Years Running Goals and Happy Hump Day Post

Happy Wednesday to all you runners out there, I hope this post finds you all well in body, mind and soul.  

These are my thoughts on that sentiment

I have been reading a lot of blogs that are addressing the importance of diet, hill running, and hot weather running do's and don't s... all of them have been extremely helpful, and I have benefited greatly from their tricks and tips.  

We all need to eat better, and that means incorporating more whole foods into our diets, as well as eating less of the processed ones.  I don't know about you, but I love my snack foods ad they aren't always good for me.  Last year I was eating more whole foods and about 90% of my overall diet was clean eating.  Well things have slipped and I've gotten sloppy about eating that way.  It is time for me to Clean up my act and by that I mean the foods I eat.

Ugh, that means I need to stop eating the Funyuns chips and the cakes I love to nosh on...see what I'm taking about, I have completely fallen off the healthy eating wagon and right into the crappy food bin.  Of course this means that I am still relatively the same size as I was last summer, although I am a bit smaller and more toned...but not a huge difference...boohoo!

1. So for the rest of this year I am going to get re-focused, once again, and cut out those nasty food habits I've picked back up.  I will say though that I don't drink soda (except that one I had last night) and I run a lot, according to my family...they would say I'm an obsessed runner but I certainly don't think so, especially when I compare myself to some of you.  

2. I will get back to the gym more regularly and continue to train for my half-marathon in September with vigor and determination. 

3. I will also drink more water.  This is one thing I am bad about doing, I so don't like water but I know I need it to perform at my best.

4. I will try GU or some other form of energy during my long runs to see if it really will make a difference in September.

5. I will sign up for a few more races between now and September's half.

6. I will continue to do hill work, even if I "loathe it entirely".  (speaking in my Grinch voice)

I am hoping that you will help keep me accountable.  I am so glad that I have running friends online to learn from, so thank you in advance for any help, tips and motivation you can give me.  Blessings and good luck to everyone who has a race this month or this weekend!

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Outdoor Adventure at Applegate Lake

Kids at Applegate Lake Outing

Our whole family, inlaws and girlfriends included, decided to take the day(picnic and all), out to Applegate Lake this weekend, and the picture above shows all my brood as well as two of my sons girlfriends.  My cutie pie girlie is the brunette in the middle.  My sons are second from left and the two on the end, right side, what a great looking crew, don't you think, of course I realize now that they are the only boys in the picture...silly me!

We drove about an hour to get to our destination but it was a fun ride, and the time passed by quickly, especially in the car I was riding in.  Jacob my 16yr old son and his girlie rode with me and he is a hoot, he kept us laughing most of the way.  

J and M (funny guy)

The 3 Amigos decided to jump in the icy river, in response to a dare by my other funny son, Jesse.  Here are two photos from that hilarious episode.

Jesse, April & Jacob

The 3 Amigo's

The kids were freezing after their two (yes, they went in for a second time) dips into that icy river. We did record a video when my two sons went in for their second dip, but I don't know how to post that so just believe me when I say it was very funny and had us all laughing.  They both came out crying for towels...and that was pretty funny since they are both 15 and 16 years old, and as you can see they are not tiny dudes.

We also had my in-laws with us and they always make our outings much more enjoyable.  My mother-in-law made a huge 3 layer chocolate birthday cake for my birthday boy Jesse, who turned 15 yesterday.  Jacob's girlie made 3 AWESOME cheesecakes for the big day as well.  We had plenty of good food, laughter and fun throughout the whole day.  My beautiful mama also came along for the festivities.

In-Laws

Mi Amor (my love) 

Molly's Catching Pose

My Mama

As you can see, fun was had by all.  Family always makes the day better and brighter, not to mention more memorable.  We created some new memories to look back on in later years that will surely warm our hearts and bring tears of laughter to our eyes. 


I sure hope y'all enjoyed your Saturday as much as I did mine.  Blessings and have a great Sunday making memories with your loved ones.

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Ryan Reynolds, Another Celebrity Marathon Runner

It's that time again...time for yet another post about a celebrity marathon runner.  

In 2008 Ryan Reynolds ran the New York City Marathon in an impressive 3:50:22.  You may have seen Ryan in The Green Lantern, and like the super hero, Ryan was equally impressive in his running of the marathon, he was also a team member of Michael J. Fox's Foundation for Parkinson Research, in honor of his father who suffers from Parkinson's disease.

Ryan called running the New York City Marathon, incredible!  He told reporters after crossing the finish line, "I'm still standing.  I'm very excited about that".  Ryan was motivated in the last leg of the race when he saw Michael J. Fox on 5th Avenue, he says he gained about 15 pounds in goose bumps.  It helped push him through the last 6 miles of the race.

Ryan ran with team Fox in honor of his father who has suffered from Parkinson's disease for the last 15 years.  While racing Ryan thought of his father and the 500,000 other people who suffer from the disease in America alone, and said, "I ran for those who can't".  He was greeted at the finish line in Central Park by his mother Tammy and brother Terry.  When asked how he was going to celebrate, he joked, "I'll probably celebrate by eating my own body weight in raw dough".

In a letter Ryan wrote to the Huffington Post explaining why he was running the N.Y.C. Marathon, he wrote, "Let it be known at the outset, I am not a runner. I am a running joke. Waking up at 4:30 am and jogging anywhere from 11 to 23 miles has been nothing short of horrifying. Although, I've never given birth to a professional basketball player through one of my tear ducts, I can't imagine a worse way to start the day. Conversely, some people have real problems. I digress"...

Further on in the letter he wrote, "One of the reasons I chose RUNNING specifically, was because (as Murakami so eloquently put it) my competition is the most formidable foe of all; ME. The person I have to beat is the guy I was last week. The person I was yesterday. Indescribably worse, those affected by Parkinson's wage a similar war in their own bodies every single day. Unlike a marathon, their struggle won't end in a shallow pool of vomit just outside Tavern On The Green while waiting for an ambulance. They continue day in and day out, silently battling away in the most personal of struggles."


On a lighter note...

Ryan also played the superhero, The Green Lantern, in 2011.  In the movie, a cocky test pilot is granted an alien ring that gives him otherworldly powers...as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron that is tasked with keeping peace within the universe.  You may recall this great tag line from the movie..."In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight, let those who worship evils might, beware my power, Green Lantern's Light." Or this one..."In our darkest hour, there will be light."

 

Personally speaking, Ryan is one of my favorite actors.  I especially loved him in "Definitely Maybe"  he was just such an adorable dad.  I hope you have enjoyed this week's installment of Celebrity Marathon Runners.

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

"Limitations only exist if you let them"

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

May Day Happiness

Happy May Day everyone! 

The earliest May day celebrations appeared in pre-Christian times, with the festival of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, and the Walpurgis Night celebrations of the Germanic countries. 

Maypole

It is also associated with the Gaelic Beltane. A more secular version of May Day continues to be observed in Europe and America.  May Day may be best known for it's tradition of dancing the maypole dance and crowning of the Queen of the May.

Maypole Dancing

I'd say that is a great way to burn some calories and enjoy yourself at the same time, this is my kind of exercise. Have a great and happy May Day!  

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

"Limitations only exist if you let them"

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.